

w 





.-jr % 

- '’W 



o 

• 4 ^ <lX fi^ ° 

<O O- * 4 * * s * ^ 

0 * c o#<>* *o ^ t o w 9 * * 



V' 


v*4 


<A\ 


<\ -'o','** <G 



k «t 0M^o\° ><y <* 

<£» *^AV\SV 'tv” _ * 

* * 0 ° _°^ ^ ie \$° 




* V* ^ 

/ / V-.«5 

A° °«*. *' 

c o * o x, v 

* O J ^ ± K <x?/Y?7?-, - ' r rr v • 

• "o / .'Jlft** ’W : 

> j. 0 ^ "^^^,°' \ 

V'^\/ 



A^’^a o 

* A)/ ° 


C G vP J 

4 % ’ 0 $W * 

4 <U V *> 

* jvO c> *^7$* A ^ *o * a 

Qr c 0 w ° ^ ^O * t / * 4 

c o s* s&<(i7z&:« v. , 

*. +A 0 * 


a 0 * ,>V> V 

r .*^aa^*. «^a< /. 





A -* 

* v • 

- 4 0^ * * 

(f .*' °o 

o^^R» ^o v 



> *° ~%. » 

4* rv * 

*» r\ 4 & 

<P * *' A° ^ 

* /» i jSPf* 

° • 

° a0‘ o^//^^8n,V b AvfV -• 

** ^ % «w* a* ^ • 

* A <» '<■• »* ,o^ 

,-T t *^** ^ 0 0^ ,0 



*• %-,/ - 
vf* G ® 

aV-V *o 

^ 4? o 

^ ^ • 

A <. ' 


^ I 1 



° / ^ * 

*.-.-.••</ *V* 

V *'*£* c\ aO” , 

cy * 

° ^ V 

« aV^. o 


\0 '/j * 

v !> ^ 

^ rx ^ 

,0^ ^ ^ 



0 ^ ♦ 
: v^r 




o N Q 


« ^b a^ * *■ 1 •, 

<n V>* A N -ft/. /A 

* o > * - 1 ^ 0 V 


•'Mmmr^* '^o v ^ v v :esm&r_ns< 

V*^* ,/ °°^ ‘‘^- 4 / ^ / % ‘^’ f o 1 

■«. ^ V ♦> f * °» l c\ \0 ^ ^ ^ - * o, 7 o .<y s ■ 

. ^ A , > iA%^/U*o ^ ^ .A .V^/L*o ^ ^ ' 


- 5 >. ' • » ° ”* ^ 

\ %yy£ 

* c!? ^r. 

* A? ^ 

■* V ci* 

«vT \5 

Pi * o w ° * "^o 

c u o 

% roXWn^ ^ 





a ^ : 

* 4/ ^ * 

4 a v V 



^ V. 

c <p '•>''' ^9° V. > ‘’^T <> ^ 

• ^ /,i^.\ 




^ A K ' 
VV • 


A ^rv 

/ / '\ . _ 
A-.- °<."'*- sS A /V 



© 

. v*^ 

A ® 

^ A x <ft 

* A <, -o', 7 * o 

^ SteMT^' %■ 0 ° .* - - ° 

^<y °«! " v o V 


\ A o' »1V-> *> V 4 , 




° ^ $ 

o .V^. * 

,* 4> ^ •>. 

* « > Y> ♦ A 

A ^ • *- 9 * a 

^ ~0 i /y>7^J * *P 

%r ^ ^ Jf/Z/Zv^. ts* - . 

~ ^0 



A o. 

^ ^ tv v _ * ^yy/P j& * r\ ^ 

^ ^ e * 0 ^ * * ' 1 • £° ^ 

+ > V * * * °* o^ <9 5 s * * % V 

%/ .‘ift : 

; A ft-v » 

* ^<ft ° 



S:P^ 

* 4 V ^ 

rv v ^ o * o « v-> 

o o 

o /T\ ^CS^I]/nt *A ^ 


% C^> °?A 

* A/^ ""Ca » 

^ <or ^ -> 




% '*°?yy 

a0 *j^». > \> . 

-fr *.^#0^, ^ < 

; W 





♦ ♦ S X > 



<*, # A ^ 4 0 


; 4 to cr^ 

o A v^ ; 





* ■* 

* A/ v Qa • 

- 1 <ft '**r^v»-^ v . 

■ > w o <» i v V f 5 ^ 4 ^V < • 

. . i * * ^ <^» Q^ c, 0 * 0 * V ^0 V^ V ' - ^ 

- ^ ^ K i£mz>y+ 0 4 oV^^P^« ^ Kffli/y&>+ ^ 


o V 


J>° ^ 

o 'y*y/iP<& * ^ o'^ ,u 

% -'Q J 

* <bs 

•o V A" . 

t 0 S 





o V 


0 * A- c o * <0 1 ' *%* *•* 

> *m' 

«ft A. V *■ a * -ftj. A* 

V4 v 














\j _ c * 





: 

'°*A A* **T7V*' A <^ ~'o.~** * ^/7,v 

* <,'*?!»- tSwjfa. \ 0 < «."^ w 

.0 ^ ^ 

V, * o *o 0 A' 

AAA c\ aO* A V » 1 ■ °- r ' - v > - s ' ' 

& * <* ^ ^ *■ 

«u* ; ■ 





v 



</* v3«* 

^ V 




A* 


v^v 

f t * O^ c> -O" <, s ° ° 

* ^ ^ " 


< V fc . e " ^ ^ 



^ Q ^ » 
rv * 

* -«*/—*- Jj & + : '*»*’• <tr 

> ‘■•* i * A ,.., A " <i ” 0 .A 
%. ,A «> "■ 



* A ,J b 

* «/ °b 

■» <A <£• * * 

A ' • 

c u / w 
* 
o 



. v^> 

A ^ ° 

* 'V ^ 



S ^ ^ ^ O o A. X 

4^ > V f 8 ~ <S*. r 0 " Q '9 t / a *<£ 

j* /**_ CT •‘k$$tJ>„ o > «.CA* %, 

b A :£mtp~ °4PlBl". ^©v* :«iA +*$ 



°* «5 ^ r '^3<^S’ £ > ~ f & <5 ‘R* 

' ' v o, '■?w*s s> % aia* A 

<*- '"’* *° b ‘•»»»’ A 

CV A o^tfoiAA , V y'k'x'' % A b V ,"'‘° 




• A <A 

* <A ^ 

< V 




A^ , v i » ^ ' f b . 
^ -.-> A v ^ *P 


s- ^ 

t • ~aA ^ 

«' 

* .T 5 'A "b '*:T,-’ ^o-' *<5.'♦...* 


■ * A A 

a <l v -r^o 

' * * 5 

r 0> *^L°* °, 

Li • O 





« «■ ' - „ 

, - ♦ 

<* \y K 

, .,, / v^* / % ^ / v* 

ck jr »>^ v* .’•». A A > v 1 -’•• 


• 4 O 

o ^ 


^ * 
v ° 






14 ^r. J 

* <7 ^ 

•* -o, v Au 




° A a <-V 

. aV^, a 


^ ° 



s <* A 
<- Vv 





* v V 

% ' » o Va & <U V A* »* 

^ T A A <!\ 'o» » d .0 o ..« 

A^ * *■' 0 * <A o'* o 0 " ® * ^o 

A * JA%> A -p A /•, - c^tN\\\w-> 

- ^ A v ’/j. A 


b v 



^0 


o N 0 ' A 

b> V a • °^ A\ ^ 

^ A^ .’jaV/V' A « 

J ° o 

v '^b, ° * $ 'b> o 


o bW^' O o % / o o b 

• ' 1 ’ A 0 bb ° M 0 VV °^ 

aP b> v A * ° 

. W ; 

: #*% ' 

4 ^ V ^ 




0^ ^ A <> "°bA A v b!> . /A A <b "°*‘ 

o *-<x>/!??^■* rr. C ° ^ Sse/1?7?2?y b 

-& v 


o V 


o> <A 


^ o 

N 

l-/ r o 

■ /\ 0 5,0 A. *-wss?' h 

(. *.,/•’ ^° V '• rA - A ^ * * -TA / .. X '* ob .• / 






^ 0 


Y « 


























































> 


























































































































































* 
























































































































































































- 





































































• ♦ 








' 














































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































I 

■ 






















' 











, 







































































' 




















































. 






























■ 

. 




* 




* 
















































































PRESENTATION OF 


NATIONAL 


TO THE 


PUBLIC SCHOOLS 


OF THE 

CITY OF ROCHESTER, 


WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, 1 889, 

1 


IN THE CITY HALL, 


JBy G^or^e H. Ti>on)as Posb ? No. 


DEPARTMENT OF NEW YO&K, 


GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 

H 


ROCHESTER, N.Y.: 

DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE PRINT, 
1889. 



u 



George H. Thomas Post, 

No. 4, 

Department of New York, 

G. A. R. 


OFFICERS FOR 

Commander , - 

Senior Vice Commander , - 

Junior Vice Commander , 
Adjutant , - 
Quartermaster , 

Surgeon , - 

Chaplain , - 

Officer of the Day , 

Officer of the Guard , 


THE YEAR, 1889. 

- John A. Reynolds. 
Albert H. Brijman. 

- Samuel S. Eddy. 
Daniel E. Sackett. 

- Henry H. Pyott. 
Bleeker L. Hoyey. 

- Lemuel T. Foote. 
Samuel C. Pierce. 

- John Gr. Allen. 


COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS AND PUBLICATION. 

Comrades L. T. Foote, E. Y. Stoddard, W. C. Morey, A. L. 
Mabbett, Porter Farley, S. C. Pierce, J. Gr. Allen, John A. 
Reynolds. , 4 .* : 

3Y transfer 


QIC H 





CONTENTS. 


I. The Inception of the Movement. 


II. Plan as Adopted by the Post. 


III. Co-OPERATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 


IY. Preparation by the Public Schools. 


Y. Exercises on Washington’s Birthday. 


YI. Provisions for the Future Celebration of Wash¬ 
ington’s Birthday. 


YII. Description of the Flags. 


VIII. Method of Preserving the Flags. 


IX. Opinions of the Press regarding the Movement. 

























. 


















































































































•v 




























































, 


■ 





/ 




1 > ^. Wkfyj. I 

>■ r 

. 


t 

- 





















. 





■ 














































































I. 


The Inception of the Movement. 


T HE impulse from which this movement sprung was an 
inspiration. Each member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic cherishes an ardent love for the national flag. If 
his love is greater than that of his fellow citizens, it is because 
of the hardships he endured and the sacrifices he made to uphold 
and defend it when it and all that it symbolizes were in peril. 
That it might forever wave 

O’er the land of the free 
And the home of the brave, 

he gave himself to the service of his country. This service 
called for heroic endurance, a sublime courage and a deathless 
purpose. To see the flag respected and honored is always to him 
a great joy; to seek to instil into the minds of the young its 
great significance is an ever present duty. 

When at a meeting of George H. Thomas Post, held Hov. 
22d, 1888, the Commander called attention to a report of the 
proceedings connected with the presentation of the flag to the 
College of the City of Hew York by Lafayette Post, Ho. 140, of 
that city, it was at once suggested that it presented an example 
worthy of imitation. A motion was made that the Post present 
a national flag to the Rochester Free Academy. This was 
unanimously adopted and a committee, consisting of L. T. Foote, 
E. Y. Stoddard, W. C. Morey, A. L. Mabbett, and Porter Farley, 
was appointed to make arrangements for carrying out the plan. 
At a subsequent meeting, S. C. Pierce, J. G. Allen and John 
A. Reynolds were added to the committee. 


(5) 



II. 


Plan as Adopted by the Post. 


HE committee at once entered upon its work. At the 



1 first meeting it was decided that the 22d of February be 
the day fixed upon as a suitable one for the presentation. 
It was also decided to enlarge the scope of the plan so as to 
include all the public schools of the city as well as the Free 
Academy, and to present a flag to each school. 

At a meeting ot the Post held in December this action of the 
committee was heartily endorsed, and authority was given to 
continue the work by purchasing suitable flags and making all 
the necessary arrangements for carrying out the enlarged plan. 
The committee decided that a public meeting, to be called “ The 
Washington Convention,” should be held at the City Hall, at 
which delegations from all the public schools should be present, 
such delegations to be chosen on the score of merit, and that 
standard bearers, one from each school, should be selected to 
receive the flags from the hands of the members of the Post. 
It was also arranged to have appropriate exercises in connection 
with the presentation of the flags. It was proposed to ask for 
the co-operation of the Board of Education in this movement 
and such further action on their part as would tend to perpetuate 
the celebration of Washington’s birthday in subsequent years. 
The committee was able to report at a meeting of the Post 
held February 15th, that all the arrangements had been com¬ 
pleted. How well these were carried out the following pages 
will show. 


(6) 



III. 


C O-OPER AT ION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 


I N accordance with the instruction from the Post, the commit¬ 
tee then prepared a communication to be submitted to the 
Board of Education. This communication embodied the 
principal ideas and most of the details contained in the previous 
report, which had been unanimously adopted by the Post. The 
conference between the committee and the Board of Education 
took place on the evening of the 21st of January, 1889. The 
communication in full and the description of the manner in 
which it was received by the Board are here reproduced from 
the columns of the Rochester Morning Herald. 

{From the Rochester Morning Herald, Jan. 22, 1889.] 

A PATKIOTIC DEPARTURE. 

Flags for the Public School Children. 

The Generous Gift and Valuable Suggestions which the Board of 
Education received from Geo. Hi Thomas Post last night. 

A regular meeting of the board of education was held last 
evening. The first part of the meeting was devoted to the 
reception of a committee from George H. Thomas Post, G. A. 
R., which appeared before the board to present a proposition both 
valuable and original. The committee was composed of Rev. L. 
T. Foote, Professor William C. Morey, A. L. Mabbett, E. Y. 
Stoddard, Porter Farley, Professor John G. Allen, S. C. Pierce 
and General John A. Reynolds. Upon motion of Commissioner 
Noyes the gentlemen were invited to state the object of their 
visit. Professor Morey was introduced by Rev. Mr. Foote as 
the spokesman of the party and proceeded to read the following 
communication : 





8 


u To the honorable Boa/rd of Education : 

u Gentlemen : A committee appointed by the George H. 
Thomas Post, Number 4, G. A. R., to confer with the Board of 
Education regarding the presentation of flags to the public schools 
of the City of Rochester respectfully submit the following com¬ 
munication. That the purpose of this communication may be 
fully understood at the outset, a brief preliminary statement 
may be necessary to explain the general motives by which it is 
prompted. 

“ It is one of the avowed objects of the organization which we 
represent to emphasize the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism 
as the pre-eminent virtues of the American citizen. We believe 
that the integrity and perpetuity of our national institutions are 
largely dependent upon the diffusion of a patriotic sentiment 
among all classes of citizens. A firm devotion to the fundamental 
principles upon which our whole political system rests is neces¬ 
sary, we believe, to the preservation of a healthy and vigorous 
national life. To exalt these principles is consistent with the 
purpose of every legitimate party organization. While we believe 
that party organizations form a necessary part of a republican 
system of government, and while we cannot object to any proper 
means for securing loyalty to such organizations, we are yet con¬ 
vinced that the American people should also keep before them 
the importance of cultivating the higher virtues of national loy¬ 
alty and patriotism. It may not seem unreasonable that those 
who have been called upon to defend the country in the time of 
its greatest danger, should, in the time of its prosperity, feel the 
need of keeping alive that sense of national honor and that pride 
in our American institutions that are necessary to give us 
security against any unseen dangers which may hereafter threaten 
our existence. And we believe that no loyal citizen can disap¬ 
prove of any proper measures that may be suggested to accom¬ 
plish such an end. 

“ It is, furthermore, our conviction that measures of this kind 
will be especially beneficial and lasting in their influence, if 
directed toward the rising generation, which is preparing for the 
duties of citizenship. Whatever can be done to create in the 
minds of the young an enthusiastic love for their country will 
contribute much toward the strengthening of our national insti- 


9 


tutions. We believe that in some way the cultivation of this 
spirit should form a part of every system of education. But it 
seems especially appropriate that something of this kind should 
be done in connection with that part of our educational system 
which derives its support from the public. Our public schools 
are essentially a part of our American system; and they afford 
the best field for cultivating the patriotic spirit which is neces¬ 
sary to support and perpetuate that system. While we believe 
that efforts similar to those which we have in view should be 
extended to all schools—private as well as public, ecclesiastical as 
well as secular, industrial, commercial and technical as well as 
general—we yet believe that the education which is supported at 
public expense, and which has for one of its conscious ends the 
protection of our institutions by the making of good citizens, 
should, above all others, be imbued with a patriotic sentiment. 

“We still further believe that a plan, having in view the end 
proposed, may be so arranged as to revive an interest in one of our 
national holidays which should be held in sacred and perpetual 
remembrance—that is, Washington’s birthday. With the proper 
celebration of the Fourth of July, Memorial day and Washing¬ 
ton’s birthday, we would have the means of commemorating the 
greatest and most significant events in our national history. The 
enthusiastic zeal with which the young American takes to powder 
and noise is a sufficient assurance that the Declaration of Inde¬ 
pendence will never be forgotten. The general interest which 
attaches to the celebration of martial heroism and sacrifice will 
tend, at least for many years to come, to keep alive the glorious 
and mournful memories of the civil war. The name of Wash¬ 
ington marks the transition period between our revolutionary and 
constitutional history, an appreciation of which requires a certain 
amount of knowledge and intelligent judgment. To commem¬ 
orate, in a suitable manner, the character of the greatest of 
patriots, to call to mind the renowned examples of his colleagues, 
to recount the events of his career and of contemporaneous his¬ 
tory, would be especially appropriate for those who are being 
educated for the duties of American citizenship. And we believe 
that a suitable celebration of Washington’s birthday might be 
instituted which would awaken an intelligent interest on the part 
of the best pupils in our public schools, especially if the partici¬ 
pation in such exercises were based upon merit. 


10 


“It is with these general ideas in mind that we have been led 
to recommend to your consideration the plan herein contained 
the plan to be carried out on the condition that it receive the 
approval of your Board. This plan involves two general features : 

“First—The presentation to each of the public schools of a 
suitable flag, which shall be sacredly preserved and transmitted 
yearly from one set of custodians to another in the same school. 

“ Second—The organization of a general convention of dele¬ 
gates from the public schools, to be held on Washington’s birth¬ 
day, at which convention there shall be appropriate exercises of a 
patriotic nature and the formal presentation or transmission of the 
flags. 

“ In the first place, we desire to present to each of the public 
schools of the City of Rochester, a handsome, well-made flag. 
This flag we desire to be looked upon by the schools not only as 
the ensign of our country, but also as a symbol of perpetual 
loyalty and patriotism, received from those who themselves par¬ 
ticipated in the civil war, to be sacredly preserved by each band 
of custodians and transmitted uninjured to their successors. It 
is to be a symbol, not of war, but of peace ; not of discord, but of 
perpetual union. The pupils should be inspired with a sense of 
pride in its possession and a desire to preserve it as long as possi¬ 
ble and in as good condition as possible. It should be kept in a 
secure place and exposed only on occasions of a purely patriotic 
character. Its value will be enhanced with the lapse of time. In 
half a century, or in less time, a flag thus preserved will come to 
be a symbol worthy to be venerated. We can well appreciate the 
sentiment which such a flag in time will inspire, when we remem¬ 
ber our own regard for some significant relic of the past. A flag 
actually received from those who took part in the most heroic 
period of our nation ; s history will become, in time, a fit object to 
stir the patriotic blood of its youthful possessors. While the flag 
should properly be regarded as belonging to the whole school, we 
would suggest that it be put under the nominal charge of a band 
of custodians, appointed annually on the basis of merit, whose 
position would thus be one of honor. The persons thus appointed 
to receive the flag would also, by virtue of their position, be the 
delegates to the general convention of the public schools held on 
Washington’s birthday. Their number could be apportioned 


11 


among the several schools according to the whole number of 
pupils in each school. One of these custodians should be selected 
as “standard bearer” to carry the flag in front of the delegation, 
after receiving it from his predecessor. The new delegation for 
• each year would thus march to the convention preceded by the 
two standard bearers, the one for the previous year bearing the 
flag to the convention, and the one for the ensuing year bearing 
it back to the school. 

“ In the next place, we are in favor of an annual public school 
convention, as herein suggested, on Washington’s birthday, for 
various reasons. It would not merely afford the most suitable 
occasion for presenting the flags, in such a manner as we would 
desire to present them, and by the continuance of a beautiful 
custom give a new significance to this holiday ; it would also, by 
its very nature, create a degree of enthusiastic interest which can 
only be elicited by concerted action. It would give an exhibition 
of the unity of our school system, and make every one of its par¬ 
ticipants feel that he was a part of a larger organization, and thus 
create an esprit de corps essential to the development of public 
sentiment and an appreciation of general interests. The conven¬ 
tion composed of the honored delegates from the public schools 
and a certain number of invited guests from the parents and 
other citizens should, in our opinion, be under the charge of the 
Board of Education and presided over by its president, as the per¬ 
son who properly represents the unity of our public school system. 
The exercises at present held in the public schools on the 21st of 
February, need not be disturbed, but could be made preliminary 
to the “ Washington convention” on the 22d, and would afford a 
suitable opportunity for appointing the delegates or custodians 
for the ensuing year. The delegates thus appointed would, at a 
given time, march from their several schools, or places of rendez¬ 
vous, to the convention hall. They would take their proper 
places in the assembly room, indicated by markers, upon which 
would be the numbers of their respective schools. The exercises 
should be participated in, for the most part, by the pupils them¬ 
selves. They should consist of patriotic declamations, rehearsals, 
selections, songs, etc., and should close with the formal presenta¬ 
tion of the flags, accompanied by a presentation speech by the 
president of the Board, or some other person selected for the 


12 


occasion. At the first convention the flags should be delivered 
in person by members of the Post to the standard bearers ap¬ 
pointed to receive them. At the subsequent conventions the flags 
should be delivered by the standard bearers to those appointed to 
receive them for the following year, followed, perhaps, by the 
singing of the “ Star Spangled Banner’’ or some other patriotic 
song by the whole convention. 

“ These details have been suggested simply to show that the 
general plan proposed is a practical one. The minor details of 
the plan would, of course, be left to the discretion of the Board. 
In conclusion we would express the belief that if this plan should 
meet with the approval of the Board of Education, its execution 
would tend to keep alive and perpetuate the spirit of loyalty and 
patriotism, and also to exercise a healthful and beneficial influence 
upon the rising generation, and, furthermore, to rescue from 
apparent neglect a national holiday which should be held in 
perpetual honor.” 

The communication received the close attention of the commis¬ 
sioners and they applauded vigorously when Professor Morey 
concluded reading. At the invitation of the Board brief remarks 
upon the subject were made by other members of the committee. 
They stated, among other things, that the Post which they repre¬ 
sented would pay all the expenses of the first “Washington 
convention,” to be held this year, of course. Commissioner Noyes 
moved that the offer of George H. Thomas Post and the sug¬ 
gestions accompanying it be accepted, and that a special com¬ 
mittee be appointed to confer with the representatives of the 
Post and make the necessary arrangements to carry out the idea. 
The motion was carried and Commissioners Noyes, Moody and 
Kingsley were appointed as such committee, President Cook and 
Superintendent Ellis being afterwards added. 


IY. 


Preparation by the Public Schools. 


Shortly after the Board of Education adopted the proposition 
of the committee, the Superintendent of Public Instruction called 
a meeting of the principals of the schools. At this meeting the 
plan of the proposed convention was thoroughly discussed, the 
number of delegates apportioned among the various schools, the 
manner of their appointment agreed upon, dates assigned for 
rehearsals of the musical portion of the exercises, and many other 
details settled. The meeting was harmonious and enthusiastic, 
and from the beginning it was evident that as far as the princi¬ 
pals were concerned every effort would be put forth to make the 
convention a success. 

In preparation for the general exercises of the convention 
great interest was manifested in the schools, not only by the 
delegates themselves, but also by the many thousands of pupils 
who could not hope to be present at the City Hall. 

On the day previous to the convention, declamations, songs, 
readings, etc., appropriate to the occasion, were given in almost 
every grade of every school. The following programmes, selected 
from a score or more, will give an idea of what was general 
throughout the schools: 


(13) 



14 


SCHOOL NO. 3. 


Instrumental solo—National Airs, 

Sketch of Washington’s Life, 

Chorus—Flag of the Free, 

Recitation—My Country, 

Chorus, - 

Recitation, - - - 

Chorus—America, 

Club Swinging, 

Recitation—The Inventor’s Wife, 
Instrumental duet, 

Chorus—Lullaby from Erminie, 

Concert Recitation (Washington) Chorus- 
George Washington (five boys), 

The American Flag, - 
Recitation, ----- 
Song—Hail Our Country’s Natal Morn, - 
Recitation—Our Silent Hero, - 
Chorus—The Star Spangled Banner, 
Recitation—Washington, 

Instrumental solo, - 
Instrumental duet, - - - 

Recitation—Washington, - 
Song—Home and Mother, 


Cora Schultz. 
- Tillie Warford. 
Fourth grade B. 


First grade. 
Susie Collinson. 
Ninth and Tenth grades. 

Sadie Brewster. 
Lillian Hensler. 
Gertie Lewis and Josie Smith. 

Second grade. 
-Our Flag, Third grade A. 

Third grade B. 
Fourth grade A. 
Ralph Crowley. 

Eighth grade. 
Maud Richards. 
Ninth and Tenth grades. 

Lulu Maloney. 
Josie Smith. 
Katie and Louise Wetinore. 

May Vinton. 
Edward Lux. 


Medley on Accordeon, - - 

Instrumental duet, - - Bertha Cragg and Mamie Cragg. 

Solo, ------- William J. Curtiss. 


SCHOOL NO. 4. 

PART I. 


Song—America, ------ By the School. 

Recitation—Song of Plymouth Rock, Kittie Angell, Tenth grade. 
Selections—Life of Washington, - - Pupils of Eighth grade. 

Recitation—Revolutionary Tea, - - Frank Strong, Ninth grade. 

Recitation—Webster’s Reply to Hayne, 

George B. Miller, Tenth grade. 
Song—Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, - - By the School. 

Recitation—Battle of Lexington, Clifton Williamson, Eighth grade. 
Recitation—George Washington, - Emile Clark, Seventh grade. 
Recitation—The Incorruptible Patriot, 

Carrie Ruthven, Ninth grade. 
Recitation Washington, - - Fannie Shannon, Seventh grade, 

bong—Battle Hymn of the Republic, - - - By the School. 







15 


PART II. 


Duet—Instrumental, Rebecca Fraser and Bessie Logan, Tenth grade. 
Recitation—The Little Black-Eyed Rebel, - 

Frances Telford, Eighth grade. 

Recitation—Emily Gregor’s Ride, 

Recitation—The Red, White and Blue, 

Recitation—History of the Flag, 

Song—The Star Spangled Banner, 

Recitation—The Pride of Battery B, 

Recitation—The Irish Drummer Boy, 

Recitation—Wounded, 

Song—Tenting on the old Camp Ground, 

Solo, Frank Strong and Chorus. 
Recitation—Hetty McEwen, - - Annie Shannon, Eighth grade. 

Recitation—Sherman’s March to the Sea, 

Georgia Newman, Seventh grade. 
Song—Marching Thro’ Georgia, - - - Solo and Chorus. 

Recitation—Drake’s American Flag, - Walter Arnold, Tenth grade. 
Recitation—Union and Liberty, - - Ruth Adams, Tenth grade. 

The Flag of the Free, ----- By the School. 


Addie Perry, Eighth grade. 
- Lena Smith, Eighth grade. 
DeWitt Treman Ninth grade. 

- Solo and chorus. 
Katie Clark, Seventh grade. 
Emma Benson, Seventh grade. 
Alice Rogers, Seventh grade. 


SCHOOL NO. 6-GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT. 


Declamation—Tribute to Washington, - - Henry Johnson. 

Recitation—The Ride of Jennie McNeal, - - Maud Lee. 

Recitation—Night at Trenton, - - - - Emma Wade. 

Song—Our Flag, Allie Cornell, Carrie Stone and Jessie Cogswell. 

Decamation—Incorruptible Patriot, - - Willie Davidson. 

Recitation—Why ? - - - - - Estella M. Vogel. 

Recitation—Warren’s Address- - Hattie Seel. 

Declamation—True Heroism, - Charlie Bentley. 

Recitation—George Washington, - - - Jennie Jamieson. 

Recitation—The Blue and the Gray, - - - Lillian Buell. 

Dialogue—The Little Hatchet Story, 

Maude Thayer and Jennie Hanan. 
Recitation—Paul Revere’s Ride, - - - Sadie Leggett. 

Declamation—Freedom’s Song, - - - - J. C. Emery. 

Recitation—Revolutionary Tea, - - - Hattie Beardslee. 

Declamation—Picket Duty, - - - - Bennie Clement. 

Recitation—Sheridan’s Ride, - Hattie Baker. 

Declamation—Tea Tax, - Otis Antisdale. 

Song—George Washington, - - 

Allie Cornell, Carrie Stone, Jessie Cogswell. 
Recitation—The Sword of Bunker Hill, - Florence Franklin. 

2 



Declamation—Barbara Frietchie, - May Wallace. 

Recitation—Independence Bell, - Minnie Speidel. 

Declamation—Never Give Up, - - - Bert Stott. 

Recitation—Twenty-Second of February, - - - Mary Toaz. 

Declamation—Then and Now, - Glen Hinolf. 

Recitation—The Soldier’s Reprieve, - - - Hattie Ricker. 

Declamation—Sergeant of the Fifteenth, - Emery Dunklee. 


SCHOOL NO. 9. 


Piano Solo—March, - 

Declamation—Character of Washington, - 
Recitation—Independence Bell, 

Chorus—America, - 

Recitation—The Boy who Never Told a Lie, 
Recitation—Nathan Hale, - 
Vocal Solo—Light in the Window, 
Recitation—The Flower of Liberty, 
Declamation—The Union, 

Chorus—Marching Through Georgia, 
Recitation—Barbara Frietchie, 

Recitation—Sheridan’s Ride, 

Vocal Solo—Native Land, 

Recitation—The Soldier’s Reprieve. 
Recitation—The Wounded Colonel, 

Vocal Solo—Washington’s Grave, 

Recitation—The Blue and the Gray ; 
Recitation—Somebody’s Darling, 

Chorus—Columbia, - 


Elma Ulscht. 
Barney Berman. 
Nettie Gunkler. 

Fred Walker. 
Bertha Menn. 
Louise Yeackel. 
Emma Kipphut. 
James Stalker. 

Jennie De Neve. 

- Ida Birr. 
Lulu MacCalum. 
Franc Holtz. 
- Rachel Levy. 
Victor Webber. 
Tobie Greenberg. 
Anna Davis. 


SCHOOL NO. 11. 


Chorus—America, - 

Recitation—Our Country, - 
Reading—Independence Bell, 

Essay—Early Days of Washington, 

Chorus—Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, 
Recitation—Driving Home the Cows, 
Recitation—A Little Child, 

Music—Piano Solo, - 

Conversation on the Life and Characteristics 

Chorus—Star Spangled Banner, 

Recitation—The Little Quaker, - 


Pearl Keeler. 
- Pupils Fifth Grade. 

Ray Foster, 

Christabel Blackford. 
Genie Brown. 

of Washington, 

Pupils of Sixth Grade. 

Margie White. 







17 


Reading 1 —Which is Greater, George Washington or Christopher 

Columbus ?.Arnold Empey. 

Solo and Chorus—Battle Hymn of the Republic, - 


Declamation—The Last Broadside, 
Piano Solo, - 

Scene in the Life of Washington, 
Recitation—The Boston Tea Party, 
Solo and Chorus—Tenting To-Night, 
Declamation—Roll Call, 

Recitation—A Song for Our Soldiers, 
Piano Solo, - 

Declamation—George Washington, 
Recitation—He Never Told a Lie, - 
The American Flag, 

Song—Flag of My Country, 


Walter Kempe. 


Grace Dunning. 
Helen Probst. 

Willie Pringle. 
Rose Gaffney. 


Tommie Kirby. 
Emma Watkyns. 
- By the Guard of Honor. 


SCHOOL NO. 17. 

Composition—Life of Washington, 

Reading—Return from the French Forts— Irving, 
Composition—Causes of the Revolution, - 
Reading—Battle of Lexington— Bancroft, 
Declamation—War Inevitable— Patrick Henry, 
Reading—Battle of Bunker Hill— Frothingha?7i, 
Reading—Washington Chosen— tSparks, 

Reading—Independence— Parton, 

Recitation—The Liberty Bell,- 

Reading—Valley Forge— Green, 

Reading—Surrender of Cornwallis— Thacher, 
Reading—Farewell to His Officers— Marshall, 
Reading—The Inauguration— Hildreth , 
Declamation—Washington’s Farewell Address, 
Reading—Death of Washington— Marshall, 
Reading—Character of Washington— Everett, 
Declamation—Eulogy on Washington— Webster, 
Declamation—Love of Country— iScott, 
Declamation—Union— Webster , - 


Myrtie Brice. 
Lillie Loysen. 
Mary Ennis. 
Cora Brice. 
George Gerling. 
Maggie Milligan. 
Henry Gerling. 
Libbie Stalker. 
- Olive Lombard. 

Stephen Brayer. 
Charles Newman. 
John Kase. 
Julia Koehler. 
C. Bechtold. 
- Nettie Wood. 
Bertha Bott. 
Eddie Haskin. 
H. Thompson. 
Willie Lyon. 


SCHOOL NO. 18. 

Singing—Flag of the Country, ----- School. 
Memory Exercise—Our Nation’s Birthday, - Tenth Grade Pupils. 
Recitation—Mount Vernon, - - - Esther Margrander. 

Essay—Our Flag, ------ Mary Stratton. 







Recitation—An Ode for Washington’s Birthday, 
Reading—Washington as a Civilian, 

Song—Star Spangled Banner, - 

Essay—Washington, ----- 

Recitation—Union and Liberty, 

Recitation—In Memory of Washington, 

Song, ------ 

Essay—Onr Country, . - 

Recitation—The American Flag, 

Recitation—The Boys Rally, 

Reading—Ballad of the Boston Tea Party, - 
Singing—Battle Hymn of the Republic, 

Reading—Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, 
Reading—Tom Brown’s Fourth of July, - 
Recitation—Washington, 

Recitation—The Twenty-Second of February, 
Singing—Tenting on the Old Camp Ground, 
Reading—Boston Tea Party, 

Reading—Independence Bell, - 
Reading—Battle of Lexington, - 
Reading—Warren’s Address, - 
Reading—Paul Revere’s Ride, 

Reading—Washington’s Life in Danger 


Jessie Morrison, 
Elmer Buckland. 


- Ida E. Brown, 

Clara Coit. 
Eddie Gottschalk. 
Five girls, 

- Lillie Schmitt, 
Cora Laming, 

Harry Bareham. 
Mabel Miller, 


- Frank A. Walter, 
- Bertha Irving, 
Louis Lazarus, 
Nellie Daggs, 


Walter Lauer, 
Lillie Thomas. 
Fannie Van Ingen, 
Willie Boone. 
Bessie Van Ingen, 
Charlie Zeiner. 
































































Y. 


Exercises on Washington’s Birthday, 

FEBRUARY 22d, 1889. 


HEADQUARTERS 

GEO. H. THOMAS POST, 

No. 4. 

DEPARTMENT N. Y. ( G. A. R. 


general orders { Rochester, February IS, 1889. 

No. 3. j 

In accordance with a resolution adopted by the Post, the 
members are hereby ordered to report at the New York State 
Arsenal, Friday, February 22d, at 1:30 p. m., sharp, wearing the 
regulation soft black hat with cord, white gloves and Grand 
Army Badge. 

Comrade.is hereby detailed to carry one 

of the flags for presentation. 

By command of J. A. REYNOLDS, P. C. 

D. E. Sackett, Adjt. 

Pursuant to the above General Orders No. 3, the following 
members of the Post reported at the place designated: 


1. Jno. A. Reynolds, Commander, 

2. S. S. Eddy, Sen. Vice Commander, 

3. A. H. Bruman. Jun. Vice Commander, 


4. W. C. Morey, 

5. T. C. Hodgson, 

6. Milton H Smith, 

7. B. L. Hovey, 

8. E. T. Cnrtis, 

9. C. W. Wall, 

10. W. W. Robacher, 

11. B. F Harris, 

12. W. K. Barlow, 

13. H. S. Greenleaf, 

14. M. Leyden, 

15. James Hutchinson, 

16. Wm. Emerson, 

17. G. H. Reynolds, 

18. S. C. Pierce, 

19. S. B. Williams, 

20. James E. Briggs, 

21. I). S. Barber, 

22. J. Geo. Cramer, 

23. Rob’t J. Lester, 

24. N. P. Pond, 


25. A. J. Reibling, 

26. G. W. Goler, 

27. G. W. Sill, 

28. S. P. Quick, 

29. E. V. Stoddard, 

30. Jno. G. Allen, 

31. H. H. Pyott, 

32. H. C. Munn, 

33. A L. Mabbett, 

34. David Little, 

35. Henry Lomb, 

36. Wm. Williams, 

37. L. T. Foote, 

38. Porter Farley, 

39. R. A. Adams, 

40. J. Z. Culver, 

41. W. W. Gilbert, 

42. D. E. Sackett, 

43. W. H. Benjamin, 

44. Henry C. Frost. 

( 19 ) 




20 


After the Post had been formed in line in front of the Arsenal 
and a photograph taken, the veterans, in sections of eight, with 
flags unfurled to the breeze, marched through Clinton street to 
Main, thence to the City Hall. A company of men who, twenty- 
five years before, had fought for the old flag, now bearing thirty- 
two of these emblems for such a purpose as that contemplated, 
formed a unique and inspiring spectacle that elicited the hearty 
commendations of the citizens along the route. 

The City Hall presented a patriotic and handsome appearance. 
It was the stars and stripes, and that flag alone, that was grace¬ 
fully suspended at the sides and along the rear of the auditorium, 
that fluttered on the breasts of seven hundred girls and boys— 
the flower of Rochester’s schools. It was the red, white and blue 
that hung in graceful festoons from above the platform, where so 
many of the Union’s patriots have spoken, and that formed a 
frame for the fine portrait of Washington, displayed at the rear 
of the stage. 

Long before the hour fixed for the opening of the afternoon’s 
ceremonies, throngs of people had pressed into the hall and filled 
every available space. As the capacity of the hall necessitated a 
limited number of tickets, it was impossible for the managers to 
accommodate all who wished to attend. A detail of policemen 
was in attendance to assist in disposing of the vast audience. 
The “ honor guard,” consisting of those pupils selected from each 
school, whose duty it will be during the coming year to care for 
the flags entrusted to their charge, occupied seats in the body of 
the hall, their location being indicated by “markers.” The 
dainty colors affected by many of the girls of the schools 
formed a pleasing contrast with the conventional black worn 
by the boys, and the picture which was presented as they 
chatted merrily together, while the audience assembled, was 
indeed a pleasing one. At half-past two o’clock, the gentlemen 
who were to take part in the exercises entered the hall and took 
their seats upon the platform. These consisted of the Mayor and 
the members of the Board of Education, together with many 
prominent citizens. They were followed by George H. Thomas 
Post, bearing the flags to be presented to the schools. The old 
soldiers remained standing in line for several minutes amid the 
enthusiastic applause of the audience. 


21 


Commander John A. Reynolds called the assemblage to order 
and announced the selection of President Charles S. Cook, of the 
Board of Education, to preside over the meeting. 

The exercises consisted of patriotic speeches, songs, declama¬ 
tions and the presentation of flags, in accordance with the fol¬ 
lowing programme. 


Order of Exercises. 


I. MUSIC— Band. 


II. PRAYER —Rev. L. T. Foote, Chaplain George H. Thomas 
Post. 

O, God ! Thou who rulest in the armies of Heaven and who 
art ever seeking to be enthroned in the hearts of the children of 
men, we come to Thee to-day with gratitude in our hearts and 
words of supplication on our lips. 

We thank Thee for the inspiration that suggested the services 
of this occasion. Whatever there is in them that is right and 
good, is of Thee. We seek Thy blessing upon all that is here 
done in Thy name. We thank Thee for that wonderful provi¬ 
dence that led our forefathers to the shores of this new world, to 
establish here a new form of civil government, under which all 
men should be protected in their inalienable right to life, liberty 
and the pursuit of happiness. 

We thank Thee for the man whose birth we this day cele¬ 
brate and whose memory and virtues we fondly cherish. We 
thank Thee for the faith that inspired him, the courage that 
sustained him, the wisdom that guided him, and the spotless 
integrity of character that made him the trusted and success¬ 
ful leader of our armies in the dark days of our struggle for 
national independence and that won for him the revered name, 
4 The Father of his Country . 5 

We thank Thee for that gracious providence that has been 
over us as a people, in preserving this land as the theater of a 





22 


new experiment in civil and religions freedom. We bless Thy 
name, Oh God, for Thy providential care in the conflict in which 
so many of ns were recently engaged; a conflict that broke the 
fetters of millions of bondmen and that settled for all time the 
integrity of the Union. 

We seek Thy blessing upon onr country; protect her in the 
future as Thou hast in the past from all her foes, those from 
within and those from without. May Thy blessing rest upon all 
our free institutions, our public schools, our seminaries and uni¬ 
versities, whose object is to make our young men and young 
women intelligent and worthy citizens of this free republic. 
Bless the churches, whose object is to give tone to the public 
conscience and to furnish the incentives that will incline men to 
lead moral and upright lives. Bless, we pray Thee, the public 
schools of this city and the children who are here to-day to rep¬ 
resent them and to receive from the hands of the men who took 
part in the late war of the rebellion, the flags which are the 
emblems of our nation’s life and glory. 

May the spirit of loyalty and patriotism that rules this hour 
be ever kept alive in their hearts, and be imparted to each succes¬ 
sive class to whom these flags shall be transmitted. May they 
and their successors be ever mindful of the blessings they enjoy 
under our free government and of what it cost to secure and 
maintain them. Bless the Board of Education, which has so 
heartily co-operated with the members of the Grand Army in 
the work this day inaugurated. 

Bless, we pray Thee, our Order, in all the purposes for which 
it was organized; the purposes of fraternity, charity and loyalty, 
and of keeping alive not only the memories, but also the virtues 
and sacrifices of the brave men who in the time of the nation’s 
peril laid their all upon the altar of their country. Their ranks 
are growing thinner with each succeeding year. None can take 
their places. The stooping shoulders, the wrinkled brows, the 
silvered hair tell that soon the arms that wielded the saber and 
carried the musket in their country’s, defense will fall nerveless 
at the side and their voices be hushed in the stillness of death. 

And may the children who are here to-day never forget the 
impression of this hour. May they ever remember that peace 
hath her victories as well as war, and may they so fight the battle 































































23 


of life, be so true and brave in defense of all that is good and 
right, in Thy Name that they with us may become citizens 
of that heavenly country for which we were all created; and 
unto Thee, O God, shall we give the praise, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 


III. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS— IIon. C. R. Parsons, 
Mayor of Rochester. 

Mr. President and Fellow-Citizens and Scholars —No 
department of our city government, and no interest committed 
to the care of officials anywhere throughout this broad land of 
ours is of greater concern or of more vital importance to the 
people of this country than the education of its children and 
youth. 

The free school system of the United States is the pride and 
glory of the Republic, and there is nothing to which our citizens 
contribute more cheerfully than to the cause of education. We 
have just reason to be proud of the public schools of Rochester, 
for they are accomplishing great good in our midst, and have 
done much to add to the reputation which we enjoy as an 
enlightened and a progressive city. 

None of us, I think, however, are unmindful of the fact that, 
as is the case in many other departments of municipal govern¬ 
ment, abuses sometimes creep into this branch, and consequently 
have a tendency to work injury to a good cause. We will 
be hopeful, nevertheless, and we will labor with still greater 
diligence and zeal to the end that justice may at all times prevail, 
and that worthy efforts may be ever crowned with triumphant 
success. 

We meet here to-day—a day dear to the heart of every true 
American—to unite with the veterans of a war which was 
successfully waged for the perpetuity of Republican institutions, 
in exercises long to be remembered, for they are, in a measure, 
commemorative of valor unequaled and devotion unparalleled. 
The sacrifices of the Union soldiers in our late civil war, and the 
bravery and love of country so often displayed by them during 
that trying period in our nation’s history, I repeat, stand without 



24 


parallel. Nearly sixty years have passed since Webster made 
his celebrated reply to the treasonable utterances of Hayne. 
Even then dark shadows were flitting across our national sky. 
Thirty years later there burst upon us with all the fury of a 
tempest the very contest which Seward had shortly before sug¬ 
gested as inevitable, and which Webster so long previously had 
prayed might be averted. 

The names of Washington, of Lincoln, of Grant, and of Garfield 
are familiar ones in the history of our country. There are the 
names of other patriots some of which are not quite so familiar, 
especially to the children of to-day. Seward was a patriot and 
statesman, and I speak of him because I desire these school- 
children to remember that he was a native of our own state; 
that he was one of the most conspicuous men of his times, and 
that while the soldiers were fighting the battles of the Union he, 
as the chosen adviser of Lincoln and the head of the cabinet, 
was guarding the diplomacy of the government through the 
perils of the war, with an industry, energy and success almost 
unparalleled. In early life he was elected a member of the state 
Senate of New York, and was, subsequently, twice elected 
Governor of this great commonwealth. 

Seward was a man of liberal and advanced views. As governor 
he favored an increase of education, recommended internal 
improvements, and a liberal policy toward foreign immigrants, 
and quickly took the side of abolition in the growing contro¬ 
versies on slavery. In 1849 he became a member of the Senate 
of the United States, where he was the acknowledged leader of 
his party. As a senator he promulgated the “ higher law ” 
doctrine—a higher one than the constitution, which regulated 
the authority of Congress over the national domain—the law of 
God and the interests of humanity. 

Perhaps the most interesting thought in connection with the 
life of Seward, as we consider it briefly to-day, is the fact that it 
was in this city, a little more than thirty years ago, that he made 
one of the most remarkable speeches of modern times. I was 
a school boy then—a pupil of public school No. 14 in this city. 
I had heard that Seward was to be here and I was determined 
to hear him. Being a “ little fellow,” I worked my way through 
the crowd which had assembled at Corinthian Hall, at which 



25 


place that great man declared that there was an “ irrepressible 
conflict between opposing and enduring forces,” and that “ the 
United States must become entirely slave or entirely free.” 

In 1860 Seward was the most prominent candidate of the 
Republican party for the Presidency, but Lincoln was nominated 
and elected. Seward, too, was assailed when Lincoln fell, but 
slowly recovered from the wounds then inflicted upon him, and 
died a few years later at his home in the city of Auburn in this 
State. Webster died nine years before the breaking out of the 
civil war. His prayer had been: “ When my eyes shall be 

turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, may I not 
see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a 
once glorious Union; on States dissevered, discordant, belligerent; 
on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched, it may be, in 
fraternal blood.” 

But the “ irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring 
forces ” could no longer be restrained, and the time speedily came 
when “ the United States must become entirely slave, or entirely 
free.” Thus began that terrible war to which I have alluded 
and of which we are now so forcibly reminded. 

The flags which these school children are to receive to-day 
suggest the story of the conflict and the victory. They are 
bright jewels in the crown of patriotism and devotion. As they 
shall be handed down hereafter from one generation to another, 
may they serve to remind us of the priceless heritage which we 
possess. May they cause increasing love for home, and for 
country, and always prove truthful emblems of “Liberty and 
Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.” 


IY. CHORUS— America, - - Entire Audience. 


Y. MEMORABILIA OF WASHINGTON —Gen. John A. 
Reynolds, Commander George H. Thomas Post, No. 4, 

G. A. R. 

Born February 22 (Feb. 11, O. S.), 1732. 

Surveyor of lands at sixteen years of age, 1748. 

Military Inspector and Major at nineteen, 1751. 




Adjutant-General of Virginia, 1752. 

Commissioner to the French, 1753. 

Colonel and commanding the Virginia militia, 1754. 

Aide-de-Camp to Braddock in his campaign, 1755. 

Again commands the Virginia troops, 1755. 

Resigns his commission, 1758. 

Married, January 6, 1759. 

Elected member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1759. 

In First Continental Congress, 1774. 

In Second Continental Congress, 1775. 

Elected Commander-in-Chief, June 15, 1775. 

Takes formal command at Cambridge, July 3, 1775. 

Forces the British to evacuate Boston, March 17,1776. 

Battle of Long Island, Augugt 27, 1776. 

Masterly retreat to New York, August 29, 1776. 

Battle of Harlem Heights, October 27, 1776. 

Battle near White Plains, October 29, 1776. 

Occupies the right bank of the Delaware, December 5, 1776. 

Clothed with “ full power,” December 12, 1776. 

Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776. 

Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. 

Drives the British from New Jersey, July, 1777. 

Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777. 

Battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777. 

With his army at Valley Forge, winter of 1777-8. 

Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778. 

British again retire from New Jersey, 1778. 

Winters at Morristown, N. J,, 1780-81. 

Joins La Fayette before Yorktown, September, 1781. 

Surrender of Cornwallis, October 19, 1781. 

Farewell to the Army, November 2, 1783. 

Parts with his officers, December 4, 1783. 

Resigns his commission, December 23, 1783. 

Presides at Constitutional Convention, May-September, 1787. 
Elected President of the United States, January 7, 1789. 
Inaugurated at New York, April 30, 1789. 

Re-elected for four years, November 6, 1792. 

Issued his farewell address, September 17, 1796. 

Retires to private life, March 4, 1797. 

Appointed Commander-in-Chief, July 3, 1798, with the rank of 
Lieutenant General, which rank he held until his death. 

Died at Mount Vernon, December 14,1799. 


VI. CHORUS —Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, Pupils. 





27 


YII. WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN— Sumner. 

Recitation, - Margia M. Crittenden. 

In the universe of God there are no accidents. From the fall 
of a sparrow to the fall of an empire, or the sweep of a planet^ 
all is according to divine providence, whose laws are everlasting.. 
It was no accident which gave to his country the patriot whom 
we now honor. 

For the second time in our annals the country has been sum¬ 
moned by the President to unite, on an appointed day, in com¬ 
memorating the life and character of the dead. The first was on 
the death of George Washington, when, as now, a day was set 
apart for simultaneous eulogy throughout the land; and cities* 
towns and villages all vied in tribute. More than half a century 
has passed since this early observance in memory of the father of 
his country, and now it is repeated in memory of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

Thus are Washington and Lincoln associated in the grandeur 
of their obsequies. But this association is not accidental. It is. 
from the nature of the case, and because the part which Lincoln 
was called to perform resembled in character the part which was. 
performed by Washington. The work left undone by Washing¬ 
ton was continued by Lincoln. Kindred in service, kindred in 
patriotism, each was naturally surrounded at death by kindred 
homage. One sleeps in the east and the other sleeps in the west *. 
and thus, in death, as in life, one is the complement of the other. 

Each was at the head of the republic during ar period of sur¬ 
passing trial; and each thought only of the public good, simply, 
purely, constantly, so that single-hearted devotion to country will 
always find a synonym in their names. Each was the national 
chief during a time of successful war. Each was the representa¬ 
tive of his country at a great epoch of history. 

Unlike in origin, conversation and character, they were unlike 
also, in the ideas which they served, except so far as each was the 
servant of his country. The war conducted by Washington was- 
unlike the war conducted by Lincoln—as the peace which crowned 
the arms of the one was unlike the peace which began to smile 
upon the other. The two wars did not differ in the scale of 
operations and in the tramp of mustered hosts, more than in the 




28 


ideas involved. The first was for national independence; the 
second was to make the republic one and indivisible, on the inde¬ 
structible foundations of liberty and equality. In the relation of 
cause and effect the first was the natural precursor and herald of 
the second. By the sword of Washington independence was 
secured; but the unity of the republic and the principles of the 
Declaration were left exposed to question. From that day to this, 
through various chances they have been questioned and openly 
assailed, until at last the republic was constrained to take up arms 
in their defence. 

Such are these two great wars in which these two chiefs bore 
such part. Washington fought for national independence and 
triumphed—making his country an example to mankind. Lin¬ 
coln drew a reluctant sword to save those great ideas, essential to 
the life and character of the republic, which unhappily the sword 
of Washington had failed to put beyond the reach of assault. 

It was by no accident that these two great men became the rep¬ 
resentatives of their country at these two different epochs, so 
alike in peril, and yet so unlike in the principles involved. Wash¬ 
ington was the natural representative of national independence. 
He might also have represented national unity had this principle 
been challenged to bloody battle during his life, for nothing was 
nearer his heart than the consolidation of our union, which in his 
letter to Congress transmitting the constitution, he declared to 
be the greatest interest to every true American. 

Washington, always strictly just, according to prevailing prin¬ 
ciples, and ordering at his death the emancipation of his slaves, 
was a general and a statesman rather than a philanthropist. His 
origin, his early life, his opportunities, his condition, his charac¬ 
ter, were all in contrast with the origin, the early life, the oppor¬ 
tunities, the condition and the character of Lincoln. 

Mourn not the dead, but rejoice in the life and example. Be- 
joice as you point to this child of the people, who was lifted so 
high that republican institutions became manifest in him. Re¬ 
joice that through him emancipation was proclaimed. Above all 
see to it that his constant vows are fulfilled, and that the promises 
of the fathers are maintained, so that no person in the upright 
form of man can be shut out from their protection. Then will 
the unity of the republic be fixed on a foundation that cannot 




29 


fail, and other nations will enjoy its security. The corner-stone 
of national independence is already in its place, and on it is 
inscribed the name of George Washington. There is another 
stone which must have its place at the corner also. This is the 
Declaration of Independence with all its promises fulfilled. On 
this stone we will gratefully inscribe the name of Abraham 
Lincoln. 


VIII. MUSIC— Band. 


IX. LIBERTY AXD UXIOX— Webster. 

Recitation, - Frances A. Moshier. 

I profess, sir, in my career hitherto, to have kept steadily in 
view the prosperity and honor of the whole country and the pre¬ 
servation of our federal union. It is to that union we owe our 
safety at home and our consideration and dignity abroad. It is 
to that union that we are chiefly indebted for whatever makes us 
most proud of our country. That union we reached only by the 
discipline of our virtues, in the severe school of adversity. It 
had its origin in the necessities of disordered finance, prostrate 
commerce, and ruined credit. Under its benign influences these 
great interests immediately awoke as from the dead, and sprang 
forth with newness of life. Every year of its duration has teemed 
with fresh proofs of its utility and its blessings ; and although our 
territory has stretched out wider and wider, and our population 
spread farther and farther, they have not outrun its protection or 
its benefits. It has been to us all a copious fountain of national, 
social and personal happiness. 

I have not allowed myself, sir, to look beyond the union and 
see what might lie hidden in the dark recess behind. I have not 
coolly weighed the chances of preserving liberty, when the bonds 
that unite us together shall be broken asunder. I have not accus¬ 
tomed myself to hang over the precipice of disunion, to see 
whether, with my short sight, I can fathom the depth of the abyss 
below, nor could I regard him as a safe counselor in the affairs of 
this government whose thoughts should be mainly bent on con- 




30 


sidering, not how the union should be preserved, but how tolera¬ 
ble might be the condition of the people when it shall be broken 
up and destroyed. 

While the union lasts we have high, exciting, gratifying pros¬ 
pects spread out before us, for us and our children. Beyond that 
I seek not to penetrate the veil. God grant that in my day at 
least, that curtain may not rise! God grant that on my vision 
may never be opened what lies behind! When my eyes shall be 
turned to behold, for the last time, the sun in heaven, may I not 
see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a 
once glorious union; on states dissevered, discordant, belliger¬ 
ent ; on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched, it may be, in 
fraternal blood. Let their last feeble and lingering glance, rather, 
behold the gorgeous ensign of the republic, now known and hon¬ 
ored throughout the earth, still full high advanced, its arms and 
trophies streaming in their original luster, not a stripe erased or 
polluted, nor a single star obscured, bearing for its motto no such 
miserable interrogatory as : “ What is all this worth ?” nor those 
other words of delusion and folly—“ Liberty first and union after¬ 
ward but everywhere spread all over in characters of living 
light, blazing on all its ample folds, as they float over the sea and 
over the land, in every wind under the whole heavens, that other 
sentiment, dear to every true American heart,—“ Liberty and 
Union, now and forever, one and inseparable! ” 


X. VOCAL SOLO AND CHORUS— Marching through 
Georgia. 


XI. THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON— Everett. 

Declamation, - Chas. C. Morse. 

To us, citizens of America, it belongs above all others to show 
respect to the memory of Washington, by the practical deference 
which we pay to those sober maxims of public policy which he 
has left us,—a last testament of affection in his Farewell Address. 
Of all the exhortations which it contains, I scarce need say te 
you that none are so emphatically uttered, none so anxiously 




31 


repeated, as those which enjoin the preservation of the Union of 
these states. 

On this, under Providence, it depends in the judgment of 
Washington whether the people of America shall follow the Old 
World example, and be broken up into a group of independent 
military powers, wasted by eternal border wars, feeding the 
ambition of petty sovereigns on the life-blood of wasted princi¬ 
palities,—a custom house on the bank of every river, a fortress 
on every frontier hill, a pirate lurking in the recesses of every 
bay,—or whether they shall continue to constitute a federal 
republic, the most extensive, the most powerful, the most pros¬ 
perous in the long line of ages. 

No one can read the Farewell Address without feeling that 
this was the thought and this the care which lay nearest and 
heaviest upon that noble heart; and if -which heaven forbid— 
the day shall ever arrive when his parting counsels on that head 
shall be forgotton, on that day, come it soon or come it late, it 
may as mournfully as truly be said that Washington has lived in 
vain. Then the vessels as they ascend and descend the Potomac 
may toll their bells with new significance as they pass Mount 
Yernon; they will strike the requiem of constitutional liberty 
for us,— for all nations. 

But it can not, shall not be; this great woe to our beloved 
country, this catastrophe for the cause of national freedom, this 
grievous calamity for the whole civilized world, it can not, shall 
not be. No, by the glorious 19th of April, 1775; no, by the 
precious blood of Bunker Hill, of Princeton, of Saratoga, of 
King’s Mountain, of Yorktown; no, by the undying spirit of ’76; 
no, by the sacred dust enshrined at Mount Yernon; no, by the 
dear immortal memory of Washington,—that sorrow and shame 
will never be. 

A great and venerated character like that of Washington, 
which commands the respect of an entire population, however 
divided in other questions, is not an isolated fact in history to be 
regarded with barren admiration,—it is a dispensation of Provi¬ 
dence for good. It was well said by Mr. Jefferson in 1792, writ¬ 
ing to Washington to dissuade him from declining a renomina¬ 
tion, “ North and South will hang together while they have you 
to hang to.” Washington in the flesh is taken from us; we shall 
3° 


32 


never behold him as our fathers did; but his memory remains, 
and I say, let us hang to his memory. Let us make a national 
festival and holiday of his birthday; and ever, as the 22d of Feb¬ 
ruary returns, let us remember that, while with these solemn and 
joyous rites of observance we celebrate the great anniversary, our 
fellow-citizens on the Hudson, on the Potomac, from the South¬ 
ern plains to the Western lakes, are engaged in the same offices 
of gratitude and love. 

Hot we, nor they alone;—beyond the Ohio, beyond the Misis- 
sippi, along that stupendous trail of immigration from East to 
West, which, bursting into States as it moves westward, is already 
threading the Western prairies, swarming through the portals of 
the Pocky Mountains and winding down their slopes, the name 
and the memory of Washington on that gracious night will travel 
with the silver queen of heaven through sixty degrees of longi¬ 
tude, nor part company with her till she walks in her brightness 
through the Golden Gate of California, and passes serenely on to 
hold midnight court with her Australian stars. There and there 
only, in barbarous archipelagoes, as yet untrodden by civilized 
man, the name of Washington is unknown; and there, too, when 
they swarm with enlightened millions, new honors shall be paid 
with ours to his memory. 


XII. SOLO AND CHORUS— Tenting on the Old Camp 
Ground, - - Anna Y. Roche and Pupils. 


XIII. AMERICAN BATTLE FLAGS -Schurz. 

Declamation, Frank B. Witherspoon. 

From Europe Mr. Sumner returned late in the fall of 1872, 
much strengthened, but far from being well. At the opening of 
the session he reintroduced two measures, which, as he thought, 
should complete the record of his political life. One was his 
civil-rights bill, which had failed in the last Congress; and the 
other, a resolution providing that the names of the battles won 
over fellow-citizens in the war of the Rebellion should be 




33 


removed from the regimental colors of the army, and from the 
army register. 

It was in substance only a repetition of a resolution which he 
had introduced ten years before, in 1862, during the war, when 
the first names of victories were put on American battle-flags. 
This resolution called forth a new storm against him. It was 
denounced as an insult to the heroic soldiers of the Union, and a 
degradation of their victories and well-earned laurels. It was 
condemned as an unpatriotic act. 

Charles Sumner insult the soldiers who had spilled their blood 
in a war for human rights ! Charles Sumner degrade victories, 
and depreciate laurels, won for the cause of universal freedom !— 
how strange an imputation! 

Let the dead man have a hearing. This was his thought. 
No civilized nation, from the republics of antiquity down to our 
days, ever thought it wise or patriotic to preserve in conspicuous 
and durable form the mementos of victories won over fellow- 
citizens in civil war. Why not ? Because every citizen should 
feel himself with all others as the child of a common country, 
and not as a defeated foe. All civilized governments of our 
days have instinctively followed the same dictate of wisdom and 
patriotism. 

The Irishman, when fighting for old England at Waterloo, was 
not to behold on the red cross floating above him the name of 
Boyne. The Scotch Highlander, when standing in the trenches 
of Sebastopol, was not by the colors of his regiment to be 
reminded of Culloden. No French soldier at Austerlitz or 
Solferino had to read upon the tri-color any reminiscence of the 
Yendee. No Hungarian at Sadowa was taunted by any Austrian 
banner with the surrender of Villagos. No German regiment 
from Saxony or Hanover charging under the iron hail of 
Gravelot, was made to remember, by words written on a Prussian 
standard, that the black eagle had conquered them at Koniggratz 
and Langensalza. 

Should the son of South Carolina, when at some future day 
defending the Republic against some foreign foe, be reminded, 
by an inscription on the colors floating over him, that under this 
flag the gun was fired that killed his father at Gettysburg? 
Should this great and enlightened Republic, proud of standing 


34 


in the front of human progress, be less wise, less large-hearted,, 
than the ancients were two thousand years ago, and the kingly 
governments of Europe are to-day ? 

Let the battle-flags of the brave volunteers, which they brought 
home from the war with the glorious record of their victories, be- 
preserved intact as a proud ornament of our state houses and 
armories, but let the colors of the army, under which the sons of 
all the states are to meet and mingle in common patriotism,, 
speak of nothing but union,—not a union of conquerors and 
conquered, but a Union which is the mother of all, equally 
tender to all, knowing of nothing but equality, peace, and love 
among her children. 

Such were the sentiments which inspired that resolution. 
Such were the sentiments which called forth a storm of obloquy. 
Such were the sentiments for which the Legislature of Massa¬ 
chusetts passed a solemn resolution of censure upon Charles, 
Sumner,—Massachusetts, his own Massachusetts, whom he loved 
so ardently with a filial love, of whom he was so proud, who had 
honored him so much in days gone by, and whom he had so long; 
and faithfully labored to serve and honor. 

Oh, those were evil days, that winter; days sad and dark, when, 
he sat there in his lonesome chamber, unable to leave it, the 
world moving around him, and in it so much that was hostile,, 
and he—prostrated by the tormenting disease, which had returned 
with fresh violence—unable to defend himself, and with this 
bitter arrow in his heart. Why was that resolution held up to 
scorn and vituperation as an insult to the brave, and an unpat¬ 
riotic act? Why was he not attacked and condemned for it 
when he first offered it, ten years before, and when he was in the 
fullness of manhood and power ? If not then, why now ? why 
now ? 

To his convictions of duty he had sacrificed political associations 
most dear to him, the security of his position of which he was 
proud. For his convictions of duty he had stood up against 
those more powerful than he ; he had exposed himself to reproach,, 
obloquy, and persecution. Had he not done so, he would not 
have been the man you praise to-day ; and yet for doing so he 
was cried down but yesterday. 

He had lived up to the great word he spoke when he entered. 




35 


the Senate, u The slave of principle, I call no party master.’’ 
That declaration was greeted with applause; and when, true to 
his word, he refused to call a party master, the act was covered 
with reproach. 


XIV. CHORUS —Battle Hymn of the Republic. 

Audience. 


XV. SYMPOSIUM OH THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Arranged by Comrade John G. Allen. 


1. HISTORY— Colonial, 

2. HISTORY— National, - 

3. SYMBOLICAL POWER, - 

4. THE FLAGr INSULTED, 

5. UNION AND LIBERTY, - 

6. SYMBOL OF LIBERTY, 

7. THE AMERICAN FLAO, 

8. CHORUS— Flag of the Free, 


Belle Schaffner. 
Benj. R. Briggs. 
Albert Gubleman. 
William D. Curtiss. 
Ruth Adams. 

Oliver McKenzie. 
Cora Laming. 
Pupils. 


Ho, 1 . —History—Colonial. 

What can be of greater interest to the heart of the American 
patriot than the history of his national standard ? What a throng 
of sacred and thrilling associations cluster around the glorious 
old flag, not only to the American soldier and sailor, but to every 
loyal citizen and to every student of our nation’s history. 

A national flag is one of the insignia by which nationality 
is distinguished—by which the jurisdiction of a political power 
is asserted. Hence, its predominating use in the army and navy, 
the organizations by which a nation’s sovereignty is maintained. 
Hence, too, its powerful appeal to the patriotism of all those who 
see in it the symbol not only of their country’s power, but of 
its claims upon themselves. Pendent over fort,ship, or the 
busy mart of trade, throwing out with the varying breeze its 
folds to the four quarters of the heavens, it seems to hold above 
them the strong arm of the nation’s protection. 

Before the revolutionary war the recognized standard of the 
colonies was that of great Britain. Throughout the colonial 
period the slight dependence on the mother country was marked 



36 


by an increasing disposition to use individual colonial flags. All 
bad the British crosses of St. Andrews and St. George, since the 
colonists at first claimed to be loyal subjects of the king, resisting 
the usurpations of the Parliament and the Ministry. It is 
doubtful whether there was any flag in the American lines at 
Bunker Hill; certainly none was captured by the British. One 
tradition is that there was a red flag with the legend Come if 
You Dare ; another, that the legend was An Appeal to Heaven ; 
and still another, that the flag was blue with a white union con¬ 
taining the upright red cross and the pine tree. Two classes of 
flags were prominent in the colonial times, “ Pine Tree flags ” 
and “Rattlesnake flags,” the former being rather of a New 
England nature, while the latter had some approach to nationality. 
The former was generally white, with a green pine tree in the 
center and the legend An Appeal to Heaven. The Rattlesnake 
flag was also white, with a rattlesnake either cut into thirteen 
pieces, each marked with the initial of a colony and the legend 
Join or Die, below, or complete and coiled, with the legend Don’t 
Tread on Me. Another variety had a ground of thirteen stripes 
red and white, with the rattlesnake extended across the field. 


No. 2.—History—National. 

Toward the end of 1775 the urgent need of a distinct national 
flag became very evident. The stripes seem first to have been 
used by a Philadelphia light horse troop in 1774-5, but only as a 
“ union.”. Their use as the ground of a flag, originally suggested 
by the recognized flag of the East India company or of Holland, 
had become common in one of the Rattlesnake ensigns, and 
Congress adopted it in December, 1775, on the recommendation 
of a committee consisting of Franklin, Lynch and Harrison. The 
“ Grand Union” flag consisted of thirteen stripes, as at present, 
but with the British union of the two crosses, to mark continued 
allegiance to the King. This flag was first hoisted over the 
American headquarters at Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 1,1776. Paul 
Jones claims to have raised it over his ship, the Alfred, some 
days previously. It is noteworthy that when the naval committee 
of Congress presented a national flag to that body, February 8, 



37 


1776, they chose one of the Rattlesnake variety. In June, 1776, 
when independence had become a recognized probability, Wash¬ 
ington and a committee of Congress made informal arrangements 
for the substitution of a five pointed star in the union. It was 
not until June 14, 1777, that Congress formally ordered the royal 
union to be displaced by thirteen stars, as at present symbolical 
of a new constellation. The new flag was probably first used at 
the battle of Brandywine. No change took place in the national 
standard until by Act of Congress in 1794, two new stripes and 
two new stars were added for Vermont and Kentucky. No fur¬ 
ther change took place for twenty-four years, even after the 
admission of Ohio and Louisiana, and the war of 1812 was 
fought under a flag of fifteen stripes and fifteen stars. The 
impropriety of considering Vermont and Kentucky as a part of 
“the old thirteen,” and the cumbrousness of a flag with a new 
stripe for each new state occasioned the passage of the Act of April 
4, 1818, by which the stripes were to be limited to thirteen in 
future, in memory of the thirteen states which had first secured 
for the flag a place among national emblems, while the number 
of stars should be indicative of the number of states in the 
Union. 


No. 3.—Symbolical Power. 

The grand old flag. Its real history cannot be told on any 
single occasion. Volumes would be inadequate to tell the story 
of its fame. Not alone have our fathers set up this banner in the 
name of God, over the well-won battle fields of the revolution. 
Not alone at Saratoga, at Monmouth, at Yorktown, but at Lundy’s 
Lane, at New Orleans, at Buena Vista, and at Chapultepec, it has 
been the rallying signal for brave hearts and true. It is the same 
old flag that has been unfurled to the breezes of sea and lake, by 
Jones, Perry, Lawrence and others. Brave hands have carried it 
to the sunny south; lonely ones in the cold north have been 
cheered by it; it has been set up on the summits of the moun¬ 
tains of the west, and the nations of the east have been made to 
realize somewhat the significance of its symbolical power. 

Stout hearts have fought for that bright flag, 

Strong hands sustained it mast-head high. 



38 


Wherever the old flag has gone, the pride of its friends, the 
terror of its foes, it has been the herald of a better day; it has 
been the pledge-of freedom, of justice, of order, of civilization 
and of Christianity. Traitors have hated it, the enemies of man¬ 
kind have trampled it to the earth, but all who desire to see the 
triumph of truth and righteousness love and salute it. 

Those who regard it as mere cloth-bunting, fail to appreciate 
its symbolical power. Wherever civilization, dwells, or the name 
of Washington is known, it bears on its folds the concentrated 
power of armies and navies, and surrounds its votaries with a 
defence more impregnable than a battlement of wall or tower. 
Wherever on the earth an American citizen may wander, it is a 
shield to secure him against wrong and outrage ; it is the symbol 
of a government that can command the loyalty of its people, and 
that can and will protect its citizens, wherever they may be on 
the face of the broad earth. 


No. 4. —The Flag Insulted. 

On the 7th day of January, 1861, a steamboat, called the Star 
of the West, was gliding over the waters of the Atlantic into one 
of the ports of the United States. A cannon ball came hissing 
across its prow ; the stars and stripes sprung out to the breeze, as 
if startled by an event so unusual, to tell the persons, whoever 
they might be that fired that shot, that the vessel aimed at was 
under the protection of the national flag. In a moment another 
ball came hissing and plunging into its sides; another, and 
another, and that flag, for the first time since its folds were 
unfurled to the breeze, turned and flapped ingloriously by the 
side of the mast, and the vessel that bore it returned to the place 
of its departure. Never before on the American continent had 
that flag been insulted by American citizens. 

On the 14th day of April, 1861, after Fort Sumter had been 
bombarded thirty hours, the American flag, for the first time, 
was lowered under the fire of insurgent citizens. The cannon 
balls of these occasions, booming, hissing, disgracing and defying 
the flag of the United States, thus burning and grieving the heart 
of every loyal American, were not unheeded. During four years 



39 


of bloody warfare, as attested by Shiloh, Gettysburg, Five Forks, 
and many other sharply contested battle-fields, that flag was 
borne by victorious Union armies over rebellious states. Since 
the spring of 1865, the grand old flag has been the sole standard 
of the republic, streaming over every fort, ship, city and state in 
the Union, the ensign of power, dignity and majesty of our 
country. 


No. 5.Union and Liberty. 

Flag of the heroes who left ns their glory, 

Borne through their battle-fields’ thunder and flame, 

Blazoned in song and illumined in story, 

Wave o’er us all who inherit their fame. 

Chorus. 

Up with our banner bright, 

Sprinkled with starry light, 

Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore, 

While through the sounding sky, 

Loud rings the nation’s cry, 

Union and liberty one evermore ! 

Light of our firmament, guide of our nation, 

Pride of her children, and honored afar, 

Let the wide beams of thy full constellation 
Scatter each cloud that would darken a star. 

Chorus. 

Empire unsceptred, what foe shall assail thee, 

Bearing the standard of liberty’s van ? 

Think not the God of thy fathers shall fail thee, 

Striving with men for the birthright of man. 

Chorus. 

Yet, if by madness and treachery blighted, 

Dawns the dark hour when the sword thou must draw, 

Then with the arms of thy millions united, 

Smite the bold traitors to freedom and law. 

Chorus. 

Lord of the universe, shield us and guide us, 

Trusting Thee always, through shadow and sun, 

Thou hast united us, who shall divide us ? 

Keep us, oh, keep us the many in one. 

—Oliver Wendell Holmes. 



40 


No. 6 . — Symbol of Liberty. 

The American flag has been the symbol of liberty, and men 
rejoice in it. Not another flag on the globe had such an errand, 
or went forth upon the seas, carrying everywhere, the world 
around, such hope for the captive and such glorious tidings. 
The stars upon it were to the pining nations like the morning 
stars of God, and the stripes upon it were beams of morning light. 

Let us then twine each thread of the glorious tissue of our 
country’s flag about our heart strings; and, looking upon our 
homes, and catching the spirit that breathes upon us from the 
battle fields of our fathers, let us resolve, come weal or woe, we 
will, in life and in death, now and forever, stand by the stripes 
and stars .—Henry Ward Beecher . 


No. 7.— The American Flag. 


When Freedom, from her mountain height, 
Unfurl’d her standard to the air, 

She tore the azure robe of night, 

And set the stars of glory there. 

She mingled with its gorgeous dyes 
The milky baldric of the skies, 

And striped its pure celestial white 
With streakings of the morning light, 

Then, from his mansion in the sun, 

She call’d her eagle bearer down, 

And gave into his mighty hand 
The symbol of her chosen land. 


Flag of the brave, thy folds shall fly, 

The sign of hope and triumph high. 

When speaks the signal trumpet tone, 

And the long line comes gleaming on, 

Ere yet the life-blood, warm and wet, 

Has dimmed the glistening bayonet, 

Each soldier’s eye shall brightly turn 
To where thy sky-born glories burn, 

And as his springing steps advance, 

Catch war and vengeance from the glance. 
And when the cannon-mouthings loud 
Heave in wild wreaths the battle shroud, 
And gory sabres rise and fall 











41 


Like shoots of flame on midnight’s pall, 

Then shall thy meteor glances glow, 

And cowering foes shall shrink beneath 
Each gallant arm that strikes below 
That lovely messenger of death. 

Flag of the seas ; on ocean wave 
Thy stars shall glitter o’er the brave ; 

When death, careering on the gale, 

Sweeps darkly round the bellied sail, 

And frighted waves rush wildly back 
Before the broadside’s reeling rack, 

Each dying wanderer of the sea 
Shall look at once to heaven and thee, 

And smile to see thy splendors fly 
In triumph o’er his closing eye. 

Flag of the free hearts’ hope and home. 

By angel-hands to valor given, 

Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 

And all thy hues were born in heaven. 

Forever float that standard sheet, 

Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 

With Freedom’s soil beneath our feet, 

And Freedom’s banner streaming o’er us. 

—Joseph Rodman Drake. 


No. 8 .—Flag of the Free. 

Flag of my country, the flag of the free, 

Beautiful streamer, now dearer to me; 

Peerless and stainless, triumphantly wave, 

Over a nation that knows not a slave. 

Boast of the sires who bequeathed us a life, 

Boast of the sons on the red field of strife, 

Boast of the serf as he toils o’er the sea, 

Hope of the world is the flag of the free. 

Fled are the foes who thy beauty would mar, 

Gone not one stripe and effaced not one star, 
Broken and humbled they turn unto thee, 
Sighing for rest ’neath the flag of the free. 

Victors and vanquished are one as of yore, 

War’s gory hand shall divide them no more, 

Once they were brothers.and brothers they’ll be, 
Happy again ’neath the flag of the free. 



42 


Buried the past, they will toil to adorn 
Freedom’s domain for a nation unborn, 

And when they fall this their solace shall be, 
Over them floats the dear flag* of the free. 

CHORUS : 

’Tis the flag that I love, 

And it ever shall be, 

The pride of the nation, the pride of the 
nation, the pride of the nation, 

The flag of the free. 


XVI. MARCH MUSIC BY THE BAUD.—The Standard 
Bearers of the Schools march to the front of the 
platform in order and remain standing in the attitude 
of attention. 


The interest and enthusiasm of the immense audience had been 


growing more and more intense, heightened and increased by 
each succeeding song or recitation. All were now in eager expec¬ 
tation of the great event to follow. The space just in front of 
the platform was with difficulty cleared of the crowd which had 
so long and so patiently stood and listened and applauded. At a 
given signal the standard bearers from the schools filed down 
the aisles and took their positions in line across the hall, facing 
the platform. They formed three sections or divisions—those 
from the Free Academy and Grammar schools on the left, those 
from the Intermediate schools on the right, and the representa¬ 
tives of the Primary schools in the centre. Their names and the 
schools they represent follow : 


No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 

No. 

No. 10. 
No. 11. 
No. 12. 
No. 13. 
No. 14. 
No. 15. 


Rochester Free Academy, C. F. Lovejoy. 


Joseph Smith, 

M. Normington, 
W. J. Curtiss, 
George B. Miller, 
William Cook, 
Frank Clark, 
Benj. Williams, 
Sidney Soloman, 
Arthur Vickers, 
Eugene Strauss, 
Ward Watters, 

F. B. McDowell, 
John H. Grillis, 
George Leader, 
Paul Weaver, 


No. 31. William Macan. 


No. 16. William Brown, 
No. 17. Charles Bechtel, 
No. 18. Frank Walter, 
No. 19. Fred West, 

No. 20. W. C Boss, 

No. 21, Charles Hartley, 
No. 22. Fred Herman, 
No. 23. W. C. Albath, 

No. 24. Henry Weiss, 

No. 25. George Landon, 
No. 26. Charles Ritz, 

No. 27. Eddie Hutter, 

No. 28. William Fouk, 
No. 29. Arthur Cawthra, 
No. 30. Norman Henry, 



43 


Tlie members of the Post bearing the flags then moved down 
from the platform and took position facing the standard bearers. 

The sight was intensely interesting, even dramatic. On the 
one hand were men whose memories carried them back to scenes 
of a quarter of a century ago, when defense of the flag meant 
suffering, danger and possible death; whose thoughts reverted to 
the days of their boyhood, when they looked forward to a quiet 
future, when suggestions of possible trouble and conflict were 
laughed at as the wild predictions of extremists. Fronting them 
was a line of youthful faces aglow r with excitement and anticipa¬ 
tion. Each one seemed conscious of the honor conferred upon 
him as the representative of his school. Who shall say what 
firm resolves were then begotten, wdiat growing thoughts of 
patriotism and love of country were there stimulated into 
active existence ? Beyond question the lesson at that time incul¬ 
cated will never be forgotten by any participant and its effects 
will be shown in increasing veneration for the flag, in better 
citizenship, in more ardent loyalty to the American idea of 
government. 


XYII. PRESENTATION OF THE FLAGS, By Geo. H. 

Thomas Post. 

Address by Comrade William C. Morey. 

Pupils of the Public Schools of Rochester : I have been 
called upon by these veteran soldiers whom you see before you 
to tell you, in a few words, why they have invited you here to¬ 
day, to present to you these beautiful flags. But I know that 
whatever I may say, I cannot express in words one-half of what 
they feel in their hearts. If you had seen what they have seen ; 
if you had passed through the terrible fires of war through which 
they have passed; if you had been called upon to leave your 
homes and friends to save your country’s flag from dishonor, you 
would be able to understand what they think of our common 
country, and how they honor its glorious flag. These men were 
a part of that great army which more than a quarter of a century 
ago went forth to endure the hardships of the camp and of the 



44 


battle field that they might see this flag as you see it to-day, 
with no star blotted from its folds and none of its glory dimmed. 

You may ask why is this flag so precious that men are willing 
to risk their fortunes and their lives in its defense. It is only a 
piece of bunting a few feet long and a few feet wide. Yet the 
sight of these stars and stripes causes the heart of every true 
American to thrill with unbounded pride. From its radiant 
colors beam forth all the brightness and glory of our nation’s 
history. 

You have all read that when the blood of our fathers grew hot 
under the oppression of England, even before the Declaration of 
Independence was written, on Hew Year’s day, 1776, these 
stripes were first unfurled to the breeze. In the following year 
were added the original thirteen stars. And thus was born this 
flag, about which our fathers rallied, and fought the battles of 
the Revolution. Star after star has been added to its folds ; but 
it has still remained, in times of war and in times of peace, the 
same beloved standard of our country. As you now look upon 
these bright colors to-day, remember that you are looking upon 
the flag which was borne aloft on the fields of Trenton, of Mon¬ 
mouth, and of Yorktown; the flag which was lifted up in triumph 
on the fields of Antietam and Gettysburg and Appomattox; the 
flag which has been baptized with the fire and smoke of battle; 
which has been made famous by the heroic deeds of Washington 
and Grant, and made sacred by the blood of thousands upon thou¬ 
sands of unknown martyrs. 

But do not think that all the glory of the flag comes from the 
victories it has gained in war. There is something more glorious 
than the victories of war. It is the triumph of freedom over 
oppression; of justice over wrong. To have liberty; to have 
just laws ; to have a country which can protect our freedom and 
our rights—these are the things for which every true man is 
willing to devote all that he has and all that he is. It is because 
we have such a country as this, a country where human liberty 
and human rights are respected, a country where the people can 
express their ideas of right and justice in the forms of law—it is 
because we have such a country that we honor and love our flag. 
In a republic like ours we have no king who demands our loyalty. 


45 


We have no glittering crown before which we bend the knee. 
But more loved and honored than any purpled king or crown of 
gold is this beautiful flag of the free, with its stripes of red and 
white and its stars in a heaven of blue. 

This day—the birthday of Washington—was selected as the 
most appropriate time for you to receive these colors. This day 
was chosen because you would have before your minds the exam¬ 
ple of that great man whose patriotic spirit we should all revere 
and imitate. If you wish to know how to honor your country’s 
flag, read over and over again the life and character of him who 
has been justly called the “ Father of his Country.” • There may 
have lived greater generals than Washington; there may have 
been greater writers ; there may have been greater politicians ; 
but this earth has not yet seen a greater patriot. 

This is the man whom we wish you to keep before your mind, 
if you would learn how much your country is worth, and how 
much its flag should be honored. Keep before your eyes a 
picture of his noble face. Keep in your hearts an image of his 
noble life. Kemember his love of justice and his hatred of 
wrong. Imitate his truthfulness and his courageous spirit. But 
above all things else, do not forget that next to his God he loved 
his country. 

Do you now ask why these veteran soldiers desire to present 
to you these standards ? It is because they desire each one of 
you to be a true American. They desire that the flag of our 
country shall continue to be honored as it was once honored by 
the Father of our Country. They desire that the little spark of 
patriotism which now burns in your breasts may be kindled into 
a living fire of loyalty and devotion which shall never be put out. 
We know how much devotion and sacrifice have been necessary 
to preserve our country in the years that have gone by. We do 
not know how much sacrifice and devotion may be necessary to 
preserve it in the years that are to come. We pray to God that 
you may never see our nation torn asunder by civil war; that you 
may never see these colors trailed in the dust. But if that day 
should ever come, we believe that the blood of your fathers will 
rise up within you, and you will be ready to strike down your 
country’s foe. 


46 


Think not, however, that the spirit of patriotism is necessarily 
the spirit of hatred. It is rather the spirit of union and 
fraternity. It delights in the blessings of peace, and not in the 
horrors of war. It would rather see our land covered with waving 
harvests than with bristling bayonets. It desires, above all things 
else, to see our country the home of liberty, truth and justice. 

And now as you are about to receive into your hands these 
flags, remember they are to be looked upon by you as the emblems 
of liberty; the ensigns of your country; the objects of your most 
devoted loyalty and love. They shall belong not simply to this 
line of colo^ bearers, who have been appointed to receive them ; 
they shall belong to all the members of this “ Washington 
Convention; ” and not to you alone, but to all the fifteen 
thousand children of our public schools, who cannot be here 
to-day. And we also hope they will at some time belong to that 
still greater army of children who will follow you in the 
years to come. You must, therefore, preserve these standards 
with sacred care, and transmit them uninjured to those who 
come after you. Let them not be soiled or torn by careless 
hands. Let them only be stained with the yellow dust of years. 

We wish to thank the present Board of Education for their 
desire to make this occasion an instructive one, and we hope that 
their successors may be equally zealous in perpetuating this cus¬ 
tom. And when these veteran soldiers, from whom you receive 
these presents to-day, shall have passed away from the earth, 
when your own heads have become white with the frost of years, 
may you be able to look back and feel that these flags have been 
to you a holy inspiration, and have taught you how much your 
country is worth, and how much you should be willing to give in 
its honor and its defence. 


Immediately following the address Commander Reynolds 
ordered, a Post, Attention! Carry, Flags! Present, Flags! 
Transfer, Flags! ” At the last command the members of the Post 
stepping forward delivered the precious emblems into the hands 
eagerly outstretched to receive them. 



47 


XVIII. RESPONSE, by Commissioner Chas. S. Cook, 

President of the Board of Education. 

Gentlemen of Geo. H. Thomas Post: 

By virtue of the authority in me vested as president of the 
Board of Education, I accept these flags in behalf of the public 
schools of the city of Rochester. In doing so I realize that the 
sentiments expressed in your communication to the Board a few 
weeks ago are fully indorsed by that body. 

I know that I voice the sentiments of the members of the 
board when I say that educational authorities should take 
advanced ground toward the inculcation of patriotism in the 
public schools. At no previous time in American history has 
there been a more pressing demand for such instruction than 
during the closing years of the nineteenth century. The increas¬ 
ing immigration of illiterate, unsympathetic foreigners to our 
cities, towns and villages, and the present state of instruction in 
the South, make the inculcation of American history and 
patriotism an imperative necessity. 

If our distinctively American free institutions are to continue, 
it devolves upon all public schools to teach the principles of good 
government and those branches of study which instill pride of 
country and prepare our youth for responsible and honorable 
citizenship. Men will always fight for their government accord¬ 
ing to their sense of its value. To value it as they ought, they 
must understand it. This they can not do without education. 
That inestimable blessing can not be attained without the aid of 
government. Hence it is plainly the first duty of government, 
through its educational commissioners, superintendents and 
trustees to bestow it freely upon all children without discrimina¬ 
tion. America, alone of all the great nations of the earth, is 
dependent upon the intelligence and loyalty of all classes of its 
citizens for continued existence. The only safety against 
ignorance, disloyalty and anarchy lies in a united, patriotic 
public sentiment. The public school is the one force, indeed the 
only force, that can unify all classes and conditions of society. 
We have no other avenue than this by which to reach the man 
of to-morrow, we need no other if only we improve the oppor¬ 
tunities it affords. It goes without saying that the public school 
4 


48 


system lies at the foundation of our national existence. Hence 
all citizens should be interested in maintaining and improving it. 
The active duties of private and public life are better performed 
by intelligent and cultivated men and women, than by the 
ignorant and uncultured. 

It is because of these thoughts, gentlemen of the Post, fellow 
citizens and pupils, that we accept these flags. It is because we 
believe that the schools should train the young to become intelli¬ 
gent voters, fair-minded jurymen, upright judges, discreet and 
honorable legislators and incorruptible executive officials. Yes, 
gentlemen, I think I can safely say that every member of the 
board is fully persuaded that patriotism is one of the positive 
lessons to be taught in every school in Rochester. Indeed, 
everything learned should be tinctured with a genuine love of 
country, every glowing fact in the nation’s history should be 
emphasized and enthusiastically dwelt upon. The names of her 
illustrious citizens should be treasured in the memory. Every child 
should be made to feel that he is entitled to a share, not only in 
the blessings conferred in a free government, but also in the 
rich memories and glorious achievements of his country. 


XIX. CHORUS— Star Spangled Banner, By the Audience. 

While Standard Bearers retire to their respective delegations. 

Then the Post, preceded by the band, marched to the Court 
House square for the purpose of reviewing the pupils. The 
different delegations in column of fours, headed by their respec¬ 
tive standard bearers, then passed in review, dipping the colors 
and giving the marching salute. The delegations then proceeded 
to their various schools, deposited the flags and were dismissed. 

Thus ended the exercises of the Washington Convention. 



49 


YI. 

Provisions for the Future Celebration 

OF WASHINGTON’S BlRTHDAY. 


W HATEVER credit may be due to Geo. H. Thomas Post 
for the success attending the first celebration of Wash¬ 
ington’s birthday in the manner described, it is a pleasure to the 
Post to record the hearty co-operation which they have received 
from the Board of Education of the city of Rochester. From 
the time the original communication was submitted to this body, 
the Commissioners, each and all, have manifested a sincere and 
zealous interest in the success of the entire project. The com¬ 
mittee appointed by the Board, in conferring with the committee 
from the Post, were always ready to lend their assistance in 
preparing for the celebration and are entitled to their share of 
credit for its success. 

But the great success attending the first “ Washington Conven¬ 
tion ” of 1889, however unqualified it may have been, does not 
comprehend the entire plan of patriotic education as conceived 
by the Post. The original plan laid particular stress upon the 
perpetuation of this custom, by the annual transmission of the 
fiags, for the purpose of keeping alive and cultivating the spirit of 
patriotism which was so strongly developed at the first celebra¬ 
tion. In order to carry out this part of the plan and to give to 
future generations of children the beneficial influence which must 
attend the perpetuation of the custom, the Board of Education 
amended its by-laws so as fully to secure this result. The char¬ 
acter of the provisions adopted will be seen from the following 
extract from the proceedings of the Board of Education, dated 
March 18, 1889: 



50 


EXECUTIVE BUSINESS. 

By Com. Noyes : 

One month’s previous written notice having been given of the follow¬ 
ing proposed addition to the public school regulations, pursuant to sec¬ 
tion 9 of Article IX, of the Board’s by-laws, therefore 

Resolved , That the following addition be, and the same is hereby 
adopted and designated as Section 19 of Article XIII, of the School 
Regulations (page 40 of printed rules): Section 19—The several public* 
schools of the City of Rochester shall annually hereafter suitably 
observe the celebration of Washington’s Birthday, by public exercises 
of patriotic character, in each school, preceding the convention exer¬ 
cises hereafter provided for. 

Delegates shall also be each year selected from the pupils of the ninth 
or tenth grades of the several grammar schools and the sixth grade of 
each intermediate school and the third grade of each primary school 
and the graduating class of the Free Academy, by the respective prin¬ 
cipals of said schools, on the basis of scholarship and deportment, to 
attend the convention of school pupils, held for the public observation, 
of such annual exercises, which observance shall occur on the 22d day 
of February, or if that date shall occur on Sunday in any year, then 
on such other day as shall be designated by this Board for such 
purpose. 

At or before the second regular session of the Board of Education, 
held in the month of January each year, the school superintendent may 
nominate and the Board shall appoint a committee, consisting of three 
grammar school principals, who shall have charge and direction of the 
said convention exercises ; estimate and announce the proportion of 
delegates each school may be entitled to send thereto (based upon the 
average daily attendance in the school); select the place and hour of 
meeting of the said convention ; prepare the necessary programme and 
have general management of the exercises of the convention and the 
necessary arrangements thereof. 

A standard bearer shall each year be selected by the principal of each 
public school, from the pupils of the ninth and tenth grades, if a gram¬ 
mar school, and from the sixth grade if an intermediate school, and 
from the third grade if a primary school, and from the U B” or third 
year pupils of the Free Academy, based upon the highest attainment 
in scholarship and deportment for that year, whose duty it shall be to 
receive at such convention of delegates the United States flag, hereto¬ 
fore presented to such school by members of the George H. Thomas. 
Post, No. 4, G. A. R., from the standard bearer preceding him ; to have 
the custody during the year following his appointment of the flag, and 
transmit the same to his successor. Said flags shall remain at the 
respective public schools during the year and be displayed in public* 
only upon national holidays or other important public occasions. They 
shall be suitably boxed and preserved and formally transferred each 
year as above provided at said annual convention of delegates. 


51 


The necessary expenses incident to said convention exercises, not 
exceeding the sum of -$100 annually, shall be a charge upon the funds 
-of this Board, and he audited and paid in like manner as other accounts 
against the Board. 

The surviving members of said George H. Thomas Post shall be inyited 
each year to attend said Washington convention. 

A permanent record shall each year be made and preserved by the 
several school principals of the delegates and standard bearers selected 
as hereinbefore provided in that school; and in case of the death, resig¬ 
nation or inability to act, of any standard bearer in any year, his suc¬ 
cessor shall immediately thereafter be selected in the same manner as 
hereinbefore provided. 

Adopted—all ayes. 

The appreciation with which the members of Geo. H. Thomas 
Post regard the co-operation of the Board of Education, in sec¬ 
onding from first to last their efforts to emphasize the educational 
significance of the American flag, is expressed in the following 
resolution unanimously passed at the meeting of the Post, held 
April 2, 1889: 

Rochester, N. Y, April 2, 1889. 

At a regular meeting of George H. Thomas Post No. 4, G. A. R. 
Department of New York, held this date, the following resolution was 
unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the hearty and enthusiastic manner in which the 
Board of Education seconded the action of the Post in the matter of 
the presentation of flags to the public schools of Rochester merits our 
warmest approbation. 

It is gratifying to recall the fact that from the time the Committee 
appeared before the Board with the proposition until the conclusion of 
the exercises of the Washington Convention, every facility in its power 
was extended by the Board to further the object. 

We hereby extend our thanks to the Board of Education, not only 
for the assistance rendered at the time, but also for the recent amend¬ 
ment to its By-Laws, by which the stimulus to patriotism and loyalty 
so well begun on the 22d of February is intended to be perpetuated. 


52 


YII. 

Description of the Flags. 


O NE of tlie objects in view in publishing a history of this 
interesting presentation, is to suggest and urge other 
G. A. R. Posts to a like gift of the grand old flag to every 
school in this broad land. It is earnestly hoped that Posts in 
cities and villages, as well as in the rural districts, will provide the 
stars and stripes for the public schools in their immediate neigh¬ 
borhood ; for we firmly believe the youth of our country will 
prize a gift of this kind, received from the hands of veterans, a 
hundred-fold more than if provided by the state or other public 
authorities ; and they will learn to revere the national flag, and 
all that it represents, with a greater love and reverence if pre¬ 
sented to them by men who themselves have followed its waving 
folds through the dark clouds and seething fire of battle on to 
victory and peace. 

We believe that those who appreciate the full significance of 
this movement will, with us, cherish the hope that it may prove 
to be an incentive to the most practical of virtues ; and that the 
youth of future generations may be inspired by the same unself¬ 
ish devotion to our beloved country which marked as heroes the 
boys of 1861. 

It is for the purpose of aiding others in carrying forward this 
movement that we here present certain details connected with the 
practical side of the subject—especially with the selection of the 
various materials which go to make up a completely mounted flag. 

The committee held extended correspondence with many of 
the largest manufacturers and dealers in this line of goods in 
New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Bids were invited from 
these several firms for prices at which they would supply the 
flags, with samples of the bunting it was proposed to use in their 
construction. It was the aim of the committee to furnish the 



53 


schools with regulation infantry flags, such as were carried by 
this branch of the service in the Union Army during the war, and 
this purpose was scrupulously followed both in the bunting used 
and in the mounting of the flags. 

After a careful and critical examination of such samples, and 
comparison of prices, the committee were unanimous in awarding 
the contract for the flags to Mr. James Field, of Rochester, who 
with other manufacturers in town had been invited to submit 
samples and prices. 

While money could have been saved by purchasing elsewhere, 
the superior quality of the material furnished, together with the 
excellent and thorough manner in which the flags were made, 
fully justified the choice of the committee. The heavy silk cord 
and tassels, blue and white in color, were made by the Yogt 
Mf’g Co., of Rochester, and are fine specimens of workmanship? 
adding greatly to the richness of the flags. The staffs were made 
of the best selected quality of ash, highly polished and jointed, 
with heavy brass ferrules. They were about nine feet long, the 
joint being some ten or twelve inches below the width of the 
flag, each staff surmounted by a beautiful brass spear nearly eight 
inches in length. The original castings for these spears were 
supplied by Messrs. Henry Wray & Son, of this city. The Post 
is indebted to one of its members, Comrade Porter Farley, 
for supplying the staffs at one-half their cost. The firm of which 
he is a member, Messrs. Hoffman & Farley, also polished the 
spears and mounted them upon the staffs without charge. 

It may be of interest to Posts contemplating a similar presen¬ 
tation, to know the cost of a regimental flag. The regulation 
size, 6 by 6^ feet, made of U. S. standard bunting, will cost 
from $5.00 to $6.00; the silk cord and tassels about $1.50; the 
staff, jointed, $2.00 ; and the spear about $1.50 or $2.00; mak¬ 
ing the cost of the flag, completely mounted, from $10.00 to 
$12.00. 

For the Rochester Free Academy and thirteen grammar 
schools of the city flags of full regulation size were obtained, 
viz., six feet wide by six and a half feet long, with heavy eight- 
inch silk tassels and with silk cords nine feet long. For the eleven 
intermediate schools flags four feet wide by six and a half feet 
long, with staffs and spears like those just mentioned and with 


54 


seven-inch silk tassels, were provided; and flags three feet wide and 
five feet long, mounted upon staffs of suitable length, not jointed, 
but with spears, cords and tassels of the same size as those of 
the intermediate schools, were given to the primary schools— 
making thirty-two beautifully mounted national colors, one for 
each of the public schools of Rochester. 


VIII. 

Method of Preserving the Flags. 


I N most of the schools steps were soon taken to provide some 
fitting receptacle for the flags so that they might be secure 
from harm. At the Free Academy a wooden case with glass 
front was constructed, the flag rolled on its staff and placed therein. 
In other schools cylindrical tin cases, painted and appropriately 
lettered, enclose the flags. These cases, placed on brackets against 
the wall, in full view of the pupils, will serve to impress upon 
their minds the lesson intended to be taught by George H. 
Thomas Post. The interest which the pupils of the Rochester 
public schools have taken in the whole enterprise, the satisfaction 
and pride with which they have assumed the guardianship of 
their country’s flag, and the zealous care which they have shown 
in providing for its preservation are sufficient- assurances that 
they are not unmindful of the deep significance which this 
impressive ceremony was intended to convey. Each succeeding 
year will enhance the value of the treasures entrusted to their 
charge. And if each succeeding year will also bring new zeal to 
their loyal hearts and fresh devotion to their country’s cause, we 
feel assured that the result will prove a thousand fold more valu¬ 
able than all the time and money which have been expended 
upon these legacies. 




55 


IX. 

Opinions of the Press Regarding the 
Movement. 


The following press notices show in some degree how the 
action of the Post was regarded in Rochester and other cities : 

A GOOD IDEA. 


Post Express, Jan. 22, 1889. 

The project of the George H. Thomas Post of the Grand 
Army for holding a school convention on Washington’s birthday 
and presenting each school with an American flag is a happy one. 
The patriotic purpose is fine in itself, but the real value of the 
scheme, it seems to us, consists in its tendency to create an esprit 
de corps in each school, and at the same time provide for an 
annual reunion and exhibition of all the schools. It will interest 
each school in itself—and in other schools—and it will interest 
the public in them all. 


A NOTABLE OCCASION. 

Democrat and Chronicle, Jan. 22, 1889. 

The twenty-second of February will be a notable day in Roch¬ 
ester—notable not only because it will be the 157th anniversary 
of the birth of “ the father of his country,” but also because 
it will be here celebrated in an unique and instructive way. 
George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., has proposed to the Board 
of Education that representatives from all the public schools 
of the city shall be assembled on that day, and the Post will 
present to each school an American flag, to be by its representa¬ 
tives respectively preserved and guarded and transmitted to their 
successors. The Board has accepted the generous and patriotic 
offer of the Post, and the ceremonies attending the presentation 
will be especially interesting and attractive. The idea is a most 





56 


excellent one, and its execution will have an influence extending 
far beyond the mere ceremonies of the day. The possession of 
the flag by the various schools, must tend to keep vital and 
enduring that sentiment of loyalty to it with which the coming 
generations of citizens should be thoroughly imbued. The mere 
sight of the national emblem, around which so many historic 
glories cluster, must inspire the minds of the children with a 
desire to know what it implies, and stimulate them to familiarity 
with the history of the Republic. In every school-house the flag 
will be an object-lesson of the greatest value. George H. Thomas 
Post is to be credited with one of the fairest thoughts that has 
blossomed into beauty in this city. Every good citizen should 
thank the Post for the interest it has thus manifested in our 
schools, and should aid, in every possible way, in helping to 
make the ceremonies of the day as popular as they will be 
beautiful. 


HONOR THE FLAG! 

Rochester Morning Herald , Feb. 22, 1889. 

Rochester will celebrate the anniversary of George Washing¬ 
ton’s birth to-day in a manner in the highest degree suitable and 
impressive. The patriotic suggestions and generous offer of 
George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., of this city, through which 
the several public schools of the city will each be presented with 
a handsome flag, to be kept by the school and annually on 
Washington’s birthday carried in procession to a public hall, 
where speeches and songs will inspire patriotic emotions and 
resolves, were wisely approved and acted on by the Board of 
Education. 

To-day the first celebration of the character will be held. The 
children have been rehearsing their parts and this afternoon City 
Hall will doubtless be crowded to witness and listen to the exer¬ 
cises of the occasion. The veterans who projected this plan for 
making the anniversary of Washington’s birth a popular holiday 
are entitled to great credit for the happy suggestion and liberal 
provisions they have made for carrying it into effect. 

The boys and the girls in our schools to-day are to be the 
citizens of the republic, its teachers, its business men, its states- 






57 


men and soldiers of the coming years. It is to be hoped that 
they will never have such an occasion for learning to revere the 
resplendent symbol of our nationality as that which planted such 
an ineradicable attachment for the flag in the hearts of the soldiers 
of the union during the civil war. It was not in the civic pro¬ 
cession, in the decorated hall, surrounded by hundreds of the 
fresh and beautiful faces of children that they conceived the 
ardent devotion to that magnificent banner; but it was in the 
heat of a nation’s agony, beneath the black, murky clouds that 
seemed to portend a nation’s dissolution, while the drums were 
throbbing and the bugle call was heard reverberating through 
the land ; it was in the wintry camp that this love for the old 
flag grew stronger and greater ; it was on the sentinel’s beat and 
while tramping through storm and mud ; it was in the red furnace 
of battle where the flag was torn into shreds by bullet and shell; 
it was in the awful prison pen where skeleton Famine stalked, a 
ghastly horror, among those who knew that in their far away 
homes, where the wives and babies were, the grain bins were full 
to overflowing and the tables by their old firesides were heavy 
with the abundance they had left to suffer and perhaps to die for 
that flag. 

It was in such a school that the passionate reverence of the 
veteran for the flag of the republic was inspired. Its significance 
to him was greater, more comprehensive than it can be to those 
who have never seen it fluttering along the front edge of battle, 
or hailed its stars as the sure sign of rescue and liberty. But to 
rehearse, year by year, the story of the flag, its symbolism and its 
triumphs, in the presence of the children of the republic, to lead 
them to join in speaking and singing of its glory, cannot fail to 
be productive of patriotic sentiments and aspirations. This is 
especially needful in a land like ours on whose shores a vast army 
of aliens, strangers to our history, our laws and our institutions, 
is landed every year. They can never feel, and hence they can 
never teach all that the flag symbolizes of trial, of welfare and 
of victory. But their boys and girls, as pupils in our public 
schools, may and will acquire the same love for our nation’s 
colors that is inherited by the children of native parents. We 
hope this beautiful custom initiated in Rochester to-day will 
never be forgotten, and that it will spread until it is observed in 
every city, village and hamlet in the union. 


58 


AN INSPIRING- CEREMONY. 


Democrat and Chronicle , Feb. 23, 1889. 

The presentation of flags by George H. Thomas Post to the 
public schools of the city, yesterday in the City Hall, was one of 
the most inspiring ceremonies ever witnessed in Rochester. Old 
and young were deeply affected when the veterans entered, 
bearing the beautiful standards which they were to bestow upon 
the youth of the city in honor of the father of his country, and 
in commemoration of all our glorious history in camp and 
legislative halls. 

The exercises were fitly varied by the introduction of battle 
hymns and recitations from the great speeches of Webster and 
Sumner, memorabilia of Washington and a history of the flag 
in the form of a symposium. The addresses were eloquent and 
most appropriate. 

The spectacle presented to the vast audience will be long 
remembered. The nodding standards, first in the hands of the 
veterans and then entrusted to the hands of the youth of our 
schools, formed a picture which will never fade. The young 
standard bearers and their comrades who supported them as rep¬ 
resentatives of the different schools, took a noble pride in the 
ceremony, and they will guard the flags as a priceless gift. 

The youth of our city are fortunate to receive from the 
defenders of our nationality the beautiful standards which were 
borne through our streets yesterday, and we know the veterans 
were gratified beyond measure by the spirit in which they were 
received. The event was more than a mere ceremony. It was 
a transmission of guardianship of the flag by the veterans of the 
war to the youth of our city, who as the men and women of the 
future, will help to control the destinies of the state. It was a 
timely act. Let the youth begin to feel the responsibility now. 
Let them become fully imbued with the spirit of liberty and 
justice, of which the flag is the glorious emblem. The people 
of Rochester have need to thank the veterans for this last service 
to the republic, for it is a service of the highest import. 


t 



3?/S— 


59 


[local.] 


V 

Cr 


To conclude the report of yesterday’s exercises by saying that 
the event was a success would be expressing the facts faintly. 
The feeling of patriotic enthusiasm in the audience was intense 
to a high degree, fostered as it was by the stirring speeches, the 
national flags, the presence of the war veterans, and the general 
surroundings. High as were the motives which actuated the 
members of Thomas Post, it was evident yesterday that they 
“ builded better than they knew,” and have established a method 
of observing Washington’s birthday which will be enthusiastically 
perpetuated long after the honored veterans themselves and the 
youngest of the school children who participated shall have slept 
their last sleep. 


Chicago Intelligence , March 15, 1889. 

We give in full the arrangements thus far perfected in Chicago 
for the celebration of the establishment of our present Govern¬ 
ment, and likewise a full account of the Rochester (N. Y.) cele¬ 
bration of Washington’s birthday, for the sake of the hints and 
suggestions they may furnish to persons elsewhere who are 
interested in similar movements. If anyone has become warmed 
up on the matter since February 22, he will have a good chance 
to work off his enthusiasm April 30. There is no exercise that 
would have been appropriate on the former day that will not 
come in well on the latter. It is altogether fitting that teachers 
should be in earnest and forward in such steps, and they will 
find, in the accounts we give, many suggestions to help them in 
regard to details. 

***** 

He is a rare public speaker who can come down to the level 
of a juvenile audience without getting below it. When inviting 
your speaker it will be perfectly proper to impress him with the 
idea that you want him to express thoughts that boys and girls 
can comprehend and in words that they can understand. The 
address to the pupils in the Rochester celebration was an excellent 
model in this line, and we have printed it particularly as such. 


* 



60 


Boston Transcript, March , 1889. 

“ Something new and noteworthy in the way of Washington’s 
birthday celebrations was hit upon by George H. Thomas Post, 
G. A. R., at Rochester, H. Y., last Friday. It was the presen¬ 
tation, to each of the public schools of the city of Rochester, of a 
national flag, to be handed down through custodians annually 
chosen from the pupils of the school. The pupils of the public 
schools were assembled in the City Hall; there were exercises, in 
which public officials, Grand Army men and pupils of the schools 
took part, commemorating the deeds of Washington and glorify¬ 
ing the flag, with music and recitations, and then the presentation 
of the flags, school by school, after which the children marched 
out of the hall carrying the flags and followed by the audience. 
Many eloquent and patriotic things were said, in all of which 
the children were much interested, and the occasion appears to 
have been a genuinely inspiring one. It is possible to imagine 
with what jealous care the children of the schools will guard 
their flags, under such an arrangement as has been instituted by 
the Rochester Grand Army Post—an arrangement in which the 
flags are not taken care of for the children, but by them.” 



2187 210 








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































I 
































































































































































« 4 ^ 

*■ -I* ^ h £V 

°', > 0 t*V '* A 

r/K 1 ' a. SJ*as~- •#> 



V ^ ° 




•■•'■ >> V* 

<0 .’*•- "> 

• ^ A *VW/»,*. •* 

r ^ C/ * 




V '*•** A* ... ^ 

■P .° 



• *• ' 0 * r O .A' r. 0 " 0 * 


°« •* 

; #*\ •„ 
* * s 4 *G* ^ 


>,4 ©A * 

.V* o> o ** _ 

• fl % ‘' e "° 
V *1A1a ex . 

* VV* 



VA 


* AA 



/ 4° ^ 

•‘ °° V*~-’ ./ __ -o^ . 

A V ^ * - ~ r *r~ 

4r ❖> & 


a%.' 



v > ^ 

A ©«o * 

* O J ^ * 

* ^ aa % 

* w ° 

,“ 4°^ 

»♦ n 0 % >?atr~s 

sS) o> * * i 1 

A ,«•.. % 

**<? °MM£\ %A 




.’ ^ A 

<* A t 

O' Tv 0 * 

«A T> 4 *■* 

o ^ cr 

° 4 O. • 

* mmu\ V , ^ . '-7'///il)<y ? A ** * 

& * 1 1 A XiU 0 “ 0 A 0 * / 1 • OX 0 > * 

^ .vLVi'. ^ <o^ «. \*°* % <y *s V ^ 



0*0 


° V4 V 

® °jv ° 

«. * -V* *>s « 

r ^ -ox <^. * 

s * ,Cr v 

n V L / * ^ 

/.U i * _ ♦ o 




P ^ 4 , * 

» 1 ^ » 

: •. 

' x ^ • 



\K X* 

• ^ 




o • l 




0 M 0 




^ x v 

*> V s 


^ * 

°o ^ 

r Cv . 

- ^ A*^ ^ 

; ^ / •'«•, 

♦* 

’** A <, ' 

.4> «°X”” .0 

y -'^s<r % « c »♦ 

* „H O. 

-i*. * <^y//ii\^ ^ y ^ " 

/ r €y/ly£e ♦tv' ^ 

°- J 

Xf>. 


<v ^ " * »* A < 

^ . 0 ‘ , • L ' * -9 (D A V C ° W ° -9 

0. V. C ° AJ* • 

" X 0 -5 ^o x ; 

Ov- 


• 4 O, 

> -^X Xv «> 




XV ■** xy Xi° ^ ri» * ^ 1 

e-X *" o n o -0 ^ S,i‘ 

S * ^ » x% A V V G n ^ \ 

t AV ^}L ^ 


*..•• A v 

rv > ^ t 1 a 



* *? % • 





♦ 4P 

. \ r ^ - * - * s ' 
*9 O A 0 0 " o 

% ° J* -' 

; o : 

o \0 v*> > o. 

O '. „ v„o 0 0 \ /' A '•...- 

4 *w* A a 0 v A d °- "> c> ,i 






* <A «■ 

: ^ V 


« ^ ^o. 'o.l* A 






_.. v . .. -/ 

<X A' o 'o • * - A ^ 

J ^ C ° N 0 + '<& (\^ 0 L 1 ^ >9 4 ( S^ V 0 N ° * 

-r o a 1 ^ •cx 5^ Sv .^ *JV G JM/rttZ* O » C ^SNx % 

’- - -o ^ ; '^K* A 0 < ^ .* 

* 0 Aj . NX 0 AW, ^ a ’ ’A ^ , 

’ o 5 V *•.’• A •...* A° V •••’* 

y *°- > V‘ C' jy <> 7 ^ 





°o ^ ^ * 

° <f> V ° 

'**«' <G V 'o’*;- A 

0 ^ ^o aV 

G° ♦VvT^r o 



<* A 

o *$* -V 




<* ^ 
^ ♦ 

A V 0 o « a ^ 


* v\. 

'' (X * 


y> ' • • * j}> V 

(V ♦ V 1 * A 
















